Tottonians’ very own Craig Durnin is undertaking a monumental challenge next month as he attempts, alongside a dedicated team, to set a new Guinness World Record for rowing 1,000,000 metres on a rowing machine at London’s Paddington station – aiming to beat the current record of 62 hours!

Second-row Craig, who joined the club in 2017 and has 85 1st XV caps to his name, is putting himself through this outstanding challenge to raise money for the “Momentum in Fitness” Charity, supporting the PB Active project, delivering life changing exercise therapy to children under the care of the Piam Brown Unit at Southampton General Hospital.

Here is more on the challenge from Craig himself but if you would like to support Craig – you can, via this link to his JustGiving page …. https://www.justgiving.com/page/craig-durnin-million-metre-row

THE THANKS A MILLION CHALLENGE
https://www.thanksamillionchallenge.com/

What are we doing?
Between a mixed team of 12, we are attempting to break the Guinness World Record for rowing 1,000,000 metres on a Concept 2 Rowing Machine. With a time of 62 hours to beat, we are splitting into two groups, rowing for 6 hours at a time. We’ll likely be rowing between 85 km and 110 km individually!

Why?
The challenge is the brainchild of Gihan Ganesh, a father who’s one year old daughter was diagnosed with a very rare, advanced and complex pelvic tumour in 2022. During this daunting time, rowing was the only minuscule bit of exercise Gihan could manage during her treatment – the very occasional moment of focus outside of her care. She has thankfully since made a full recovery and he’s now attempting to raise £1,000 for every day she was in care at Southampton General Hospital, a total of £169k.

Why am I doing it?
One of my best friends in school was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, and he battled hard with it for years. I setup an Ultra-Duathlon event to raise money for specialist treatment for him in Germany, but sadly he passed away only a few days before. The event went ahead, and that money went towards creating a charity in his name (Unite Against Cancer) – but I’ve since not done any further fundraising, finding it a bit difficult to get over. I’d have loved if it if it could have gone towards him directly and internally perceived it as a failure on my part. Gihan’s story stuck a chord with me however, so I decided to dive headfirst into this monster of a challenge and seek a better outcome than I had previously.

What’s the charity?
All money will be raised will support Momentum in Fitness Charity with their ‘PB Active’ project, delivering life changing exercise therapy to children under the care of the Piam Brown Unit at Southampton General Hospital and out in the community.

When/ where are we doing it?
London Paddington Station. Tuesday 3rd June (6pm) – Friday 6th June (midday, we hope!).

How can I help?
Donations, of all sizes, are massively appreciated:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/craig-durnin-million-metre-row

From everyone at Tottonians Rugby Club, all the very best!