Tragic tumour girl's tale inspires Shrewsbury rowing marathon for good cause
Rowers will take part in a 24-hour charity challenge inspired by the tragic tale of a four-year-old girl who has an inoperable brain tumour.
Members of Pengwern Boat Club in Shrewsbury will row from 11am on March 21 at the clubhouse on the banks of the River Severn for Make a Wish UK.
The event has been organised by boat club member Charlotte Pinsent, whose family has been helped by the charity.
She said: "My niece Emily, who is four and lives in London, has been granted a wish by Make a Wish UK after I applied for one following her tragic diagnosis of an inoperable brain tumour in June.
"She's had proton beam therapy in USA and been through so much.
"Emily's wish is something to do with skiing. It's something she's always wanted to try and something she won't be able to do because she's very poorly and the tumour has made her almost blind. There's no way she could have done this if it weren't for Make a Wish UK."
The charity grants wishes to children aged three to 17 who have life-limiting conditions.
About 35 members of the boat club of all ages are expected to take part in the fundraising with at least one person rowing at all times.
"If we get more people taking part we may have two teams and turn it into a competition, but the only rules will be you have to keep the fan moving on the machine at all times," Charlotte said.
"Everyone's getting excited about it,
if we could raise £500 that would be great."
