A ROWING club has raised hundreds of pounds in aid of breast cancer charities after taking part in 100km challenge event.

Roger Stainforth, 74, who is a member of Durham Amateur Rowing Club, decided to organise a Big Pink Ergo 100km Challenge following his wife Hazel’s treatment for breast cancer.

A total of 27 people aged between seven and 74 signed up and were divided into teams to take it in turns on rowing machines, doing 500m at a time.

It took seven hours, three minutes and 6.6 seconds to complete the 100km, with the average split time for 500m standing at two minutes and 6.9 seconds.

Mr Stainforth, who recently won the 70-74 age category at the British Rowing Indoor Championships, said: “So far the money raised for breast cancer charities is £850 and there’s more to come.

“Thank you everyone for the wonderful effort, generosity and the cakes and flapjack that sustained us through the seven hours.

“Together we can beat the Big C.”

Mrs Stainforth, who underwent surgery and radiotherapy treatment between September and December last year, took part in the event, rowing the first 500m, as well as another leg and the final metres of the 100km challenge.

It was organised in conjunction with Durham University student Alexandra Nicholas and took place at the club’s home in Green Lane.