The Women's Senior squad from Cambridge Cantabrigians (Cantabs) Rowing Club was inspired by the appeal, launched earlier this year, to fund a new Cambridge Air Base ahead of the planned closure of Cambridge Airport.
Choosing the number eight to reflect the charity’s £8.2m target, the 18-strong squad spent eight hours rowing, cycling, running and walking from the club's boathouse on the River Cam.
Organiser and Cantabs member, Jess Allen, said: "East Anglian Air Ambulance helped one of our coaches, one of my family members, and the new base is due to be built not far from my home, so we were inspired in many ways to help the charity raise the funds it needs. I think we were all surprised to hear that East Anglian Air Ambulance relies on public donations. It was great for us to get together as a team and support the Cambridge Air Base Appeal. I completed the challenge on a bike and rowing machine, while others ran, walked, cycled or rowed on the water."
By the end of the eight-hour challenge, the team had covered an impressive 461km.
"I was keeping an eye on my distance, and I said to my coach, 'let's see if I can reach 100km.' I was at my most tired, but I went for it," Jess added. "At that point, the girls who had been rowing on the water came into the boathouse so several of us could finish together."
Community fundraising is vital to the success of the Cambridge Air Base Appeal, helping ensure East Anglian Air Ambulance can continue delivering lifesaving critical care across the region for years to come. The charity has now raised £5.1 million for the Cambridge Air Base Appeal but needs an additional £3.1 million to hit its fundraising target.
Concluding Jess said: "It would be terrible if the East Anglian Air Ambulance Cambridge crew wasn't there to help our community. We're all looking forward to seeing the new base once it’s been built."
Christine Wright, Community Fundraising Lead at East Anglian Air Ambulance, says: "We're incredibly grateful to the Cantabs Women's Senior squad for their brilliant eight-hour challenge. It's so much more than a donation; it’s kindness from people who care deeply about their community. This will help to make sure the fastest, most advanced care is available when someone needs it, helping to save the lives of future generations."
The Cantabs Women’s Senior squad receives coaching from Cambridge rower Will Young, who previously received lifesaving treatment from East Anglian Air Ambulance following an incident on the River Cam.
To support the Cambridge Air Base Appeal, visit: https://www.eaaa.org.uk/cambridge-air-base-appeal
