Parent completes charity rowing challenge at school his children attend
A parent has raised nearly £2,000 for Cancer Research UK and the school his children attend.
Dave Holby-Wolinski, 44, from Mortimer West End, finished his challenge to row 30 marathons in 30 days on Friday, May 23.
He raised £1,758 which will be split between the charity and Silchester Primary School PTA in North Hampshire, where his two sons are currently enrolled in Years 3 and 5.
“I’m trying to have one final push on the fundraising to see if we can raise any additional pennies for these two wonderful charities,” he told newburytoday.
He added: “I’ve really missed it, but less so physically.
“It was a joy to do, and the children carried me throughout the whole thing.
“They were such a credit to the amazing jobs their parents and carers do.”
He based himself on a rowing machine outside the school gate from 5.30am to 9am every day and was spurred on by pupils as they arrived.
Mr Holby-Wolinski continued: “It’s our local primary school and we love it.
“We have a very active PTA who do loads of amazing events throughout the year to raise money for trips and equipment.”
The children nominated Cancer Research as their second chosen charity at their last school assembly before Easter.
Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Berkshire and Hampshire Elisa Mitchell said: “We are incredibly grateful to Dave for completing such an immense challenge to help our scientists discover new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.
“We can’t thank him enough for his commitment to the cause.”
“Nearly one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime. We have been at the heart of the progress that has already seen cancer survival in the UK double in the last 50 years, but we’re not stopping now.
“Incredible supporters like Dave and the schoolchildren who suggested our charity are helping us to go further and faster in the fight against the disease.”
His fundraiser has ended, but you can still visit https://wonderful.org/fundraisers/Nz1QB to donate.
