Great achievement Rowing Challenge 2024!
Fundraising for Alzheimer's Society , rowing from Portsmouth to Lymington
Hugo Mills was set to contribute to the Bluebird Care UK Pledge to raise funds. He and his son rowed the pledge from our Portsmouth branch to our Lymington branch in 3 hours! It was a fantastic adventure
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, Southampton, Totton and New Forest, 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 a week ahead and capsized due to the high waves. As a result, we asked his son to join this trip. The journey was a big challenge as they had to cross over two harbours from Portsmouth and Southampton. The journey covered 49 nautical miles, i.e. 89 km. We estimated that it could take more than 5 hours to get there if the weather was 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. They 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 went past the Southampton area. By the time the marketing lady drove back to Lymington, they were near Calshot—so very close. It was amazing as 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
