On 28th September 2022 the Gateshead Victor Red Watch, will be rowing the length of both the Tyne and Wear rivers combined, a total of 216 km (approx. 134.2 miles) on a Concept 2 rowing machine, dressed in full fire kit.

This challenge will be undertaken to raise funds and awareness for three charities that are close to their hearts.

1. Oliver's Fight Against Neuroblastoma

Oliver's Story:

Oliver is 7 years old, from Sunderland and is a triplet!

His favourite colour is blue, Oliver loves colouring and as you can see from the pic above, he is just as cheeky as his brothers and sister.

On the 19th of Feb 2021 Oliver was diagnosed with stage 4 high risk Neuroblastoma, which is a rare and aggressive form of childhood Cancer.

Oliver is currently undergoing frontline treatment at the Royal Victoria infirmary in Newcastle.

He super brave and doing well, but unfortunately Neuroblastoma has a high relapse rate meaning their is a high risk that Oliver's cancer will return again in the future.

His family are aiming to raise £260,000 for a vaccine only available abroad, which is designed to reduce the chances of Oliver's cancer returning.

Any support/ donation's would be so greatly appreciated!

2. The Fire Fighters Charity

The Fire Fighters Charity offers specialist lifelong support

for members of the UK fire services community, empowering individuals to achieve mental, physical and social wellbeing throughout their lives.

They provide independent, personalised support to thousands of people each year, and they’re not all firefighters.

They exist to support all fire and rescue service personnel, whatever their role in the service. They are also here for all those who have retired, as well as for spouses and dependants.

3. Mind

The Gateshead Victor Red Watch, would like to raise awareness of the suicides and attempted suicides, that take place along the bridges of the Tyne and Wear rivers.

More now than ever our mental health is tested, in general, as a society, in the pressurised lives we live and more and more of us are breaking under the pressure.

The watch are hoping that the money they raise can help towards being the safety net to catch people, before the darkness takes hold and they feel they only have one way out.

Mind is a mental health charity, working across England & Wales.

They believe no one should face a mental health problem alone. Whether you’re stressed, depressed or in crisis. They will listen, give support and advice and fight your corner.