The University of Kent is taking on the Row Britannia challenge of rowing 2020 miles to help raise vital funds for mental health charities as part of Sport Relief.

We’re about to reach a huge milestone in the challenge as we approach a total of one million metres (580 miles) rowed so far! That takes us to almost one third of the huge 3,251,000 metre target. This number has only been possible through your contributions – so thank you to everyone that has taken part so far.

We were visited by Row Britannia on 15 January to officially launch the challenge. University of Kent Honorary Graduate Barry McGuigan MBE and boxers from McGuigan’s Gym gave us a ‘knockout’ start by rowing a mile each, and since then we’ve seen some incredible efforts, with some students and staff rowing 20,000 metres in one session!

On 14 February Kent Sport teams went head-to-head to see how far they could row in just 30 minutes in a team relay row-off. Managing more than 22,000 metres overall, they’re now extending the challenge to you. How far can your team row in 30 minutes? Email sportsdevelopment@kent.ac.uk to take part now!

Vice-Chancellor Karen Cox, Director of Sport Mel Clewlow, and members of Executive Group (Financial Improvement Officer Peter Pentecost, PA to Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer Nicholle Mackenzie and Head of School – School of Sport and Exercise Sciences Dr Claire Peppiatt-Wildman), contributed a combined 20,000 metres when they visited on the 28 February, bringing us to nearly one million metres overall. A fantastic effort and much appreciated mileage!

You’ve still got time to clock your distance and donate to Row Britannia, visit our Just Giving page to donate online or use the collection bucket at the Sports Centre reception. Don’t forget, Sport Relief is on Friday 13 March.