Help me row the length of the River Tees to give more children the chance to thrive.

Founded in 1864, Tees Rowing Club remains firmly rooted in the heart of the Tees Valley. Based in Stockton-on-Tees, our club has been part of the local community for more than 160 years.

Sadly, too many children in our community and across the country are growing up facing extreme poverty and challenges that no child should have to face alone.

I’ve been a member of Tees Rowing Club since 1985, and I’ve lost count of the number of young people who have passed through our doors over the years. I’ve seen first-hand how much a club like ours can mean to a child.

Our dedicated team of volunteer junior coaches work tirelessly to give young people aged 12–18, whatever their circumstances or where they live, the opportunity to find a safe space, enjoy the river, discover a lifelong love of rowing, and develop the skills, confidence and friendships that can stay with them for life.

We believe every child deserves a safe place to belong, the chance to feel valued and the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Alongside Kendra Quinn, I hope that one day we can extend these opportunities to young people in Redcar, too.

My challenge: rowing the length of the Tees!

The River Tees winds its way for approximately 137 km (85 miles) from the North Pennines to the North Sea. Between 2 and 13 November 2026, I’m setting myself the challenge of rowing that distance on my Concept2 indoor rowing machine to raise money for the BBC Children in Need Row Fundraiser.

There is, however, one small complication: I’m probably the least prepared I’ve ever been for a physical challenge!

2026 has brought its fair share of health challenges, and my fitness has taken a bit of a battering. In October, I escaped to China, where an asthma episode meant that by the time I reached the Great Wall, I was huffing and puffing just walking up to the cable car!

To add to the fun, I’m also being treated for de Quervain’s tenosynovitis in my left wrist, which makes gripping things difficult. So, naturally, I’ve decided that now is the perfect time to take on a rowing challenge!

Joking aside, this challenge really matters to me. I’ll be getting on my rowing machine, one stroke at a time, to help raise funds for children who need support.

And I won’t be doing it alone. I’m hoping fellow members of Tees Rowing Club will join me and contribute their own miles, helping us travel the length of the river together. Who knows? Perhaps we’ll even manage to get there and back!

Where your donation goes

This fundraiser brings together BBC Children in Need, the Indoor Sports League, Love Rowing, British Rowing, Comcept 2 and London Youth Rowing.

Every donation will be shared between the two charities:

* 75% to BBC Children in Need, helping fund vital projects supporting children and young people across the UK.

* 25% to Love Rowing, supporting the charitable work of British Rowing and helping more people access the benefits of rowing.

BBC Children in Need supports local organisations working with children facing poverty, mental health challenges, bereavement and many other difficult circumstances.

Too many children are facing challenges that no child should have to navigate alone. At present, BBC Children in Need can fund only around one in six organisations that apply for support.

Your donation can help change that. It can help local projects continue to provide the support, encouragement and safe spaces that give children someone to turn to — someone who listens, believes in them and helps them see a brighter future.

Please support us if you can

Whether you can donate £5, £10, £20 or simply share this page with your friends and family, every contribution will help.

Every km rowed and every pound raised will be for the children who deserve the chance to thrive.

I may be starting this challenge with an unfit body, a troublesome wrist and questionable judgement, but I’ll be doing it with a huge amount of heart!

Please donate if you can and help us row the Tees for children in need. Thank you so much for your support.

One stroke at a time, we can help make a difference.