A PAIR of Rookwood School pupils took on a mammoth challenge to remember loved ones.

Aggie Brazier and Emily Smart organised an indoor rowing challenge on February 22 in aid of Countess of Brecknock Hospice.

The girls, along with Thruxton residents Rick Smart, Jo Lees, Chris Sawyer, Tyler Phillips, Matt Watt, Catt Allwright and Callum Jackman, rowed for 28 hours non-stop.

The team completed a combined distance of 203 miles and raised £5,200 for the hospice.

Rick, who took part in the challenge, said: “The girls themselves rowed for four hours each in multiple shifts and both completed a marathon – 26.2 miles.”

The crew was rowing in memory of Jo Brazier and Alison Goldfinch who received care from the hospice prior to their lives being cut short by cancer.

Rick added: “The crew received amazing support from friends and family and thanks to their generosity.”

Following the success the girls plan to make this an annual event and are hoping to get even more people involved in the rowathon next year.