Ex-Chiefs players row for the Philippines

Two former Exeter Chiefs players are urging people to help them row the distance to the Philippines to raise money for two charities.

Former Chiefs Captain Sam Blythe and teammate Shane Kingsland will start on January 1st and want to complete 11 million metres by the end of the month.

They are planning to row a million metres each - that’s around 32 kilometres (or 19 miles) every day.

Now they want members of the public to get on the rowing machine for the event - called Janurow - to help them reach their target.

“It’s a chance to give yourself a focus in the New Year, get fit and raise money to help change the lives of many children,” says former Chiefs captain Sam.

Sam, 37, came up with the idea after seeing reports of the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan. He then recruited former team-mate Shane.

Money raised will be shared between global children’s charity Plan UK – which works in the Philippines – and Dream-A-Way, which helps people with physical and learning disabilities in Devon, Cornwall and the Scilly Isles.

“Our two chosen charities are both heavily involved with children - something that is very close to our hearts,” adds father-of-five Sam.

The pair have raised £500 so far and members of the public have already pledged to row 4 million of the 11 million metre target.

Shane, 27, says: “Wanting to support young children and others was a no-brainer.  A child with a smile will be my motivation throughout this challenge.”

They will be starting the row at Exeter City FC’s match with Wycombe Wanderers on New Year’s Day.

People who want to take part in Janurow will get a branded T-shirt and a rowing log to keep track of their progress.

For more information or to get involved go to the Janurow website

For more information on Plan’s work or to make a donation call 0800 526 848 or visit www.plan-uk.org