TWENTY rowers will be rowing the entire length of The Bridgewater Canal next week in order to raise money to support their club and community.

Walkers on the canal which runs through Lymm, Grappenhall, Stockton Heath and Daresbury will be greeted with the unusual site on Monday, July 25.

Taking place over July 25 and 26, the rowers taking on the challenge, who span from the ages of 14 to 66, will row along the 65km (39 mile) Bridgewater Canal. The Trafford Rowing club members are aiming to become the first people to ever scull the entire length of The Bridgewater Canal which stretches from Runcorn to Leigh.

The club is in need of a new trailer to transport boats to and from competitions. With a target of raising £1000, the club will split the money raised, with 50% being used for the trailer and 50% being donated to various charities selected by participants including The Alzheimer’s Society and The Christie.

Graham Whistance, chairman of the club said: “Community is at the heart of Trafford Rowing Club and we’re really excited to take on the challenge to raise funds to support our club and for the charities which have supported us and our loved ones. The Bridgewater Canal is our home and although the challenge will be tough, we have been training hard and we’re excited to take it on.”

Wat Phra Singh Buddhist Temple in Runcorn have bother offered the use of their car park  for the rowers to use as a base during the challenge.

Graham added: “A couple of us got talking about rowing the entire length of The Bridgewater Canal earlier in the year and decided we had to give it a go. This has now grown to 20 people wanting to take on the challenge plus the help of additional members. We have done scoping missions and whilst there are some narrow sections which for unstable sculling boats is likely to be a bit scary, but we all agree it is part of the challenge and we’re excited to take it on.”

Peter Parkinson, director of The Bridgewater Canal, Part of Peel L&P said: “The Bridgewater Canal is all about connecting up communities and we are committed at Peel L&P to help bring communities together to support one another. We wish Trafford Rowing Club the best of luck with their challenge and The Bridgewater Canal will provide an impressive backdrop, serving as an accessible, inclusive and scenic location for both the challenge and the supporters coming down to cheer on the rowers.”

The challenge is split over two days: On Monday,  July 25 at 9am the rowers will row from Runcorn to the Trafford Rowing Club boathouse in Walton Park, Sale.

On Tuesday, July 26 at 9am the rowers will row from Leigh to the Trafford Rowing Club boathouse in Walton Park, Sale.

For support and donations visit gofundme.com/f/trafford-rowing-club-rowing-the-bridgewater-canal