News
TV celebrities go head to head in row for cancer
TV celebrities Susie Dent from Channel 4’s Countdown and Geraldine Peers from BBC Oxford TV News will soon be competing for more than viewers when they go head to head in a guest race in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support at Henley Women’s Regatta on Sunday 20th June 2010.
The two stars, who live in Oxfordshire and have never rowed before, will have just a few training sessions before the event, where they will team up with ex-Olympians Sarah Winckless and Miriam Batten to race each other 300m in double sculls.
Geraldine says she’s worried about her fitness. “If there were gold medals in shopping, I'd have one of those. I'm not very sporty at all – the last time I was in rowing boat was in Stratford on Avon during a school trip; I lost an oar, we went round in circles and were late for the coach home! I like a challenge though, and I hope that Sarah, who will be my partner for the race, does too. I've heard that rowing burns a lot of calories, so I'm having extra cake in preparation…”
Susie, who once represented her university in sprinting, admits to feeling very nervous about her ability to juggle two oars at the same time in a sculling boat. “It looks very complicated but I’m determined to do it without looking like I’m knitting a scarf!” she says. “I hope Miriam has lots of patience. I am looking forward to the race despite the nerves and Macmillan is a great cause; with members of my family having experienced cancer in recent years and knowing the effect it can have, I’m keen to support the services Macmillan provides to individuals and families living in the Oxfordshire and Berkshire areas.”
In the final run up to the race, it’s been confirmed the rowers will be joined by Ali Gill, another former Olympic rower based in Henley, who will coach the crews as they make their final preparations.
To support Susie and Geraldine in their fundraising efforts, please go to www.justgiving.com/Henley-Womens-Regatta. You can also come down to cheer them on during the race, which takes place at 3pm on Sunday 20th June. Entry to the site is along the tow path or at Remenham Farm, and is free.
Ends
Notes to editors
Geraldine Peers has been the face of BBC Oxford Television News since 2001, presenting the weekday bulletins at 15:00, 6:30 and 10:25. Geraldine officially started her career on ITV producing bulletins, reporting and presenting. Unofficially it probably began with Timmy Mallett. Geraldine worked on his radio show while she was still at school - writing sketches, jingles and answering the phones. The best part of the job? "Every day at work is different and people I don't know say hello to me on the street. It makes the world seem like a friendlier place"
Susie Dent has worked as a Lexicographer, in "Dictionary Corner" on Channel 4's afternoon quiz show "Countdown" since 1992. Before working on Countdown Susie was Editorial Director at Oxford University Press before becoming an independent editor and translator. Susie has published several books including “The Language Report", "Larpers and Shroomers" and "Fanboys and Overdogs".
Miriam Batten won silver at the 2000 Summer Olympics in the quadruple scull with her younger sister Guin Batten and gold at the 1998 World Rowing Championships in the double scull with Gillian Lindsay. She is a member of Upper Thames Rowing Club in Henley.
Sarah Winckless won a bronze medal in double sculls with her partner Elise Laverick at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, and was twice world champion, in 2005 and 2006. She is a member of Henley Rowing Club and is also a campaigner for Huntington's Disease charities.
Ali Gill is a former Olympian and was part of a record-breaking women’s eight crew that competed at the Atlanta Olympics; she is a member of Upper Thames Rowing Club.
About Macmillan Cancer Support:
Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer. We provide practical, medical, emotional and financial support and push for better cancer care. One in three of us will get cancer; 2 million of us are living with it.
18/05/2010