Together we can and will make a difference .........

Some of our friends have asked me what the Vogalonga is and why I decided to try Dragon Boating?  So I thought I'd just give you a little background!

The Vogalonga took place in Venice on 9th June 2019.  I was part of a 20 person paddling crew plus a helm and drummer!  The Race was 33km but it was an additional 6km to the start point and then 6km to return - so the 33km became more like 45km

We started paddling on Saturday 16th February 1919.  We train at the Hurricanes Dragon Boat Club in Wraysbury.  Training takes place on Saturday mornings at 9.45am for 10am and Monday/Thursday evenings at 6.30pm for 7pm.

Coincidently, the Hurricanes train at the Silverwing Lake which is also used by the British Airways Sailing Club, so for me, it was a lovely surprise to meet some ex-BA staff members and it's been a very nostalgic and heart-warming experience becoming  a member of the Hurricanes and I feel like I've come home ........

Training is hard but good!  Our coaches, some of whom have been/are part of the GB team, are great and we have lots of fun!

On Sunday 14th April, I drummed for the first time in 5 races as part of the Hurricanes team in Worcester - the first race was absolutely terrifying but exhilarating at the same time!!  We took part in 3x200m and then went on to win our 200m final!  We also entered the 1800m by which time my drumming had slightly improved!  All in all it was a good day!

So hopefully you can see that taking part in the Vogalonga last year was a real "Challenge" for me having never previously undertaken such a long distance!  Also, as a team we've never paddled 33km before, so we thought it would be a real challenge for all of us.  

I decided to raise sponsorship for the Sreepur Village to honour and celebrate this magnificent and momentous achievement and thought it was rather fitting that we'd be paddling 33km for "30 Remarkable Years" ........

We were all so grateful that we completed the Race and were able to raise money and awareness for a Charity that is very close to my heart!  

The Sreepur Village

The Sreepur Village works with destitute mothers and their children to give them the health, knowledge and skills they need to function independently in society.  At the moment over 150 mothers and 540 children are supported by SPP.  As a grass roots organisation we respond to local need and run other related programmes such as supporting vulnerable children and fostering.  We provide safety, a loving environment, food, clothing, education and vocational training.  

I became involved in fundraising for the Sreepur Village in 1992 whilst working for British Airways.  I visited the Village on two occasions and although I no longer work for BA my husband Phiroze and I continue to support the Project. 

Sreepur Celebrated 30 Remarkable Years last year and we feel privileged and humbled to have been a part of this extraordinary journey. 

I hope you will join Phiroze and I in our Celebratory Quest to help raise much needed funds to continue the work that makes such a difference to these most vulnerable women and children .......... 

We'd very much like to thank you, in great anticipation, for any help you can give by sharing this page and spreading the word to your family, friends and colleagues. 

I know, together we can and will make a difference as every penny you donate will go directly to the Charity.  

With much love, Rushna and Phiroze xx  

Together we can and will make a difference