Fund raising for the Alzheimer's Society
Rowing Challenge Hugo raised more than £1500
Raising the bar with a rowing challenge to raise funds for the Alzheimer's society
Fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Society
This year, Bluebird Care UK has pledged to raise more than £50,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society. This is done collectively by all 200 franchises. Hugo Mills, director of Bluebird Care Portsmouth and Newforest, put himself to the test and raised more than his target of £1000. He has a great passion for rowing. He rowed for the well-known Leander Club and the National GB team as a young man. Having won several Royal Henley Regatta races, he gave the sport up to focus on his career. However, seven years ago, he rekindled his love for the sport by joining a coastal rowing club in Lymington and supporting his children with the sport. Rowing on the coast differs significantly from rowing on a lake or a river. It is more challenging due to the tidal flows, the winds and waves.
Hugo had a few trials the week ahead and capsized due to the high waves. As a result, we asked his son to join this trip. The journey was challenging as they crossed two harbours from Portsmouth and Southampton. The journey covered 49 nautical miles, i.e. 89 km. We estimated it could take more than 5 hours if the weather were windy and raining.
On 6 September, he started with his support boat ( in case they capsized) from Portsmouth Portsea. We received the official Bluebird Care Relay Baton from our Fareham Colleagues ( The baton travels from office to office in the country to unify the branches). They left at 11.30 am. Even though it was hosing down with rain in Portsmouth, offshore on the water direction of the Isle of Wight, it was calm and smooth. The couple quickly managed to cross the harbour and go close to the island's shores. That way, they could benefit from the tides sweeping them across to Lymington.
While our marketing lady sat in her car in Portsmouth doing her postings and updates, the duo rowed past the Southampton shores. By the time the marketing lady drove back to Lymington, they were near Calshot—so very close. It was amazing how they managed to row without a break in three hours.
The Lymington Team was on the quays to welcome them and receive the pledge.
Hugo and Sebastian raised more than £1500 with this trip. We are so chuffed they managed to do this.
