Rowvember for Charlie Waller

The event, which runs throughout November, asks participants to donate £2.50 when they complete the challenge.

At the College’s whole school online assembly recently, Charlie Waller speaker Dick Moore gave a talk about the importance of teenage emotional and mental health.

Dick finished his talk with the following advice to the pupils:

If I could ask one thing of you it would be this. When you are next feeling down or lonely or fed up or overwhelmed, talk to someone.

Shiplake College Headmaster, Tyrone Howe, said:

I have been aware of the Charlie Waller Trust for a number of years and have huge admiration for the support and education it gives to young people.

More than ever before, our pupils are being challenged by uncertainty and insecurity, and it is vital that we maintain our positive attitude, hopes for the future, and try to turn a challenge into an opportunity. 

I am a big believer that physical wellbeing has an enormous benefit for our mental state. As an elite rowing school, we want to use our particular strengths to help others and also have fun and connect as a school community.

More than half the school has already completed the challenge, with the fastest time set at 39.0 seconds by the Captain of Boats Dan Hallsworth.

Clare Stafford, CEO of the Charlie Waller Trust, said:

We are so grateful to the students, staff and parents of Shiplake College for undertaking this wonderful challenge.

At Charlie Waller, whilst understanding the seriousness of mental health problems, we encourage young people to focus on what they can do to look after their mental health, and that includes keeping physically active and staying connected with friends and family. This activity embodies that positive spirit.

To take part in the Rowvember charity challenge all you need to do is row 250m – either in a boat or on a rowing machine, take a selfie showing your time, and email it to rowvember@shiplake.org.uk, and donate at the College’s Just Giving page.