A grouping of three Buckinghamshire schools has shown a commitment to rowers safeguarding, thanks to a partnership with the charity RALPHH.
Great Marlow, Sir William Borlase and the Royal Grammar School High Wycombe have combined resources and fund- raising efforts to create a planned new boathouse close to Gossmore Recreation Ground and on the bank of the River Thames at Marlow. So far, the plan has led to the acquisition of a field and a fenced compound, and it is believed that will take between 18-24 months before the project can be completed.
In thinking ahead – and in continuing to use the compound area for rowing – the three schools contacted RALPHH (Robert Allen Life Promotion and Heathy Hearts Trust) and have been gifted a defibrillator by the charity.
Making the presentation of the equipment was Dr Ann Redgrave, Chief Medical Officer of the GB Rowing Team. All those involved in British Rowing believe that more clubs and schools should take the possibility of an individual having a cardiac incident more seriously and working with RALPHH has ensured that clubs and schools across the country now have defibrillation equipment which otherwise would not be available.
“Rowing is an excellent sport and should be encouraged by even more people,” said Richard Allen, Chairman of the charity, but being prepared for the unexpected is something that must be considered and we look to provide a similar level of help to other rowing schools nationwide.”
Pictured left to right, with students and the Thames in the background are: Fergus Murison, Director of Rowing at Great Marlow School; Jonathan Keir, Director of Rowing at Sir William Borlase; Dr Ann Redgrave; Wendy Goodier, Club Manager for RGS High Wycombe.
In the last 12 months RALPHH has been able to either gift or provide a grant for defibrillation equipment to eight rowing schools or clubs across the country, plus similar support for many other amateur sports.
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