Mayor’s Charity Channel Challenge raises £2,000 for Children’s Hospices

A charity event organised by the Mayor of Morley, Councillor Robert Finnigan has raised over £2,000 to support two local charities, Martin House and Forget-Me-Not Fund.  The event, which saw eight teams battle it out to row the distance of the English Channel on rowing machines, took place on Saturday, 21st October at Morley Leisure Centre.

The eight teams included fire fighters from Morley and Kirkstall Fire Stations, Morley Leisure Centre staff, Gildersome Woman’s Rounders, the Great Britain Teacher’s Rugby League, Leeds Rhino Foundation, local wine bar ‘Different Gravy’ along with a team lead by the Mayor.

First across the Channel was Kirkstall fire fighters in a time of 2 hours and 8 minutes, with Morley fire fighters finishing second moments later.

Councillor Finnigan said “All eight team had to row over 33,000 metres, the distance to cross the English Channel and all the teams made the crossing.  With team sponsorship and generous contributions on the day, we have been able to raise over £2,000 for the excellent work both hospices undertake to support the families of children with life-limiting conditions.  I want to pass on my thanks to all the teams for supporting this grueling event.  Special thanks goes to the staff of Morley Leisure Centre for their support in putting on this event.  Morley Morrisons for providing food and water for the competitors, to everyone who baked for the bun sale and every last supporter who made a financial contribution to these excellent charities.”

It is hoped this charity event will run again next year.

Pictures – featured picture the Mayor starting the rowing event.  Winning fire fighter team, Gildersome Woman’s Rounders team and the Mayor’s team in Forget-Me-Not tops.