Royal Marines Rowathon
Posted by Concept2 News on the 28th of August 2002
A determined group of Royal Marines, who are presently on operational duty in Northern Ireland, are using the Indoor Rower to travel around the world.24 members of 42 Commando Royal Marines, presently stationed at an Observation Tower in South Armagh, are trying to row 42,000 km. The team have been rowing for only 2� months, but they are already halfway, and are hoping to have completed the project by early September.The motivation behind the challenge is Surgeon Lieutenant Jim Gregory, a comrade who was paralysed from the neck down in a helicopter crash close to the tower in March this year. They are hoping to raise money that will go towards the funding of a specially adapted car for Jim.The Indoor Rower is being used continually, with each member of the team rowing for one hour everyday, covering between 13 � 16 km in each session. The Tower Commander Lieutenant Ed Perris said the lads are rowing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and all in aid of a fantastic cause, Ed went on to say without the Indoor Rower, this would not be possible.By the time the Royals Marines return from Northern Ireland, they hope to have raised a substantial amount for Jim, in what will be a very difficult time for him and his family. All donations will be greatly appreciated, and should be addressed to: Maj P Bourne RM, 42 Cdo RM, HQ Coy, Bickleigh Barracks, Plymouth, PL6 7AJ. Cheques should be made payable to: Central Bank � 42 CDO RM � Jim Gregory Appeal.