Tower to tower challenge
ABC’s Managing Director rows Tower to Tower!
Steve Burgess, Managing Director of Congleton based company ABC Managed Solutions, took part in the Tower to Tower challenge – a 450-nautical mile journey from Tower Bridge in London to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, navigating 2 of the world’s most historic rivers and crossing the busiest shipping channel in the world. The challenge has so far raised over £232,000 for the Donna Louise Children’s Hospice.
The challenge saw the teams waiting out high winds and perilous conditions. The team’s boats can handle up to a terrifying Force Four – day four saw Force Seven storms hit around Le Havre!
Shortly after completing the challenge Steve commented, “It’s difficult to put in to words the emotions and efforts of the last 6 days. We have battled harsh elements and extreme physical challenges to reach the Eiffel Tower.” Speaking about the challenges faced by the team he said, “I developed blisters from around 36 hours into the challenge and without the support of our physio and medical teams, we would all have struggled to maintain the intensity required to complete the row.I feel very privileged to have been involved in raising much needed funding and highlighting the amazing support the hospice provides.”
The crew took six days to complete the journey, rowing 2 hours and resting 2 hours, 24 hours a day (weather permitting!). Training has been taking place for several months as the rowers put their endurance, strength and cardiovascular capabilities to the test. Rowing with and against the currents of the River Thames and the Seine, the rowers battled blisters, tiredness, fatigue and the usual team dynamics when under stress.
ABC works hard in supporting the local community and charities and is proud to be associated with The Donna Louise Children’s Hospice, Steve has raised over £12,000 in sponsorship so far.
