Evesham rowers have rowed almost one million metres as they went non-stop for 24 hours to raise money for Ukraine.

Evesham Rowing Club kept three rowing machines spinning for 24 hours as they set out to raise money for the British Red Cross’ Ukraine appeal.

Committee member Carol Lovelock organised the event.

She said: “A huge thank you to everyone who supported both events.

“Once again members of ERC and the people of Evesham have come up trumps.”

Evesham Journal: Brave rowers worked throughout the night as temperatures dropped to freezing pointBrave rowers worked throughout the night as temperatures dropped to freezing point

Rowers took it in shifts to keep the machines spinning, covering a distance of 950,882 metres as the sponsorship money came flowing in.

Richard Evans, who was on the 9pm to 11pm shift, said: “Huge team effort by so many and great to have been a part of it!”

Simon Edwards, who took over from Richard until 3am, added: “It takes determination and a can do attitude, which Carol and the rowing section clearly have ‘boatloads’ of!”

The machines were set up on the banks of the River Avon as the challenge began at 9am on Saturday, March 19.

Evesham Rowing Club member Jack Harris organised a group to cover one of the ergo machines for the entire duration with Leah Saunders, Lewis Lampard, Theo Hercule, Jamie Saunders and Tom Hill hanging around for the duration of the challenge.

In total 65 people got involved, some as young as 12 and others well into their 70s.

Temperatures dropped to freezing during the night but that didn’t stop the Rowing Club and in the end £6,724 was raised for the cause.

Evesham Journal: In total, the rowers covered 950,882 metres throughout the 24-hour challengeIn total, the rowers covered 950,882 metres throughout the 24-hour challenge

This is the second event organised by the club in recent weeks to support Ukraine.

Keith Rafter helped organise a drop-off centre at the Rowing Club for blankets, towels, nappies, baby milk, toiletries, children’s toys and non-perishable goods.

Mr Rafter said: “I took on the task of organising this after seeing the tragic scenes on TV of refugees fleeing Ukraine.

“It mushroomed beyond my expectations and showed us how generous people in the area can be.”

Anyone wishing to donate can find details on Just Giving.