Marlow RFC prop forward to put body through the ringer in aid of NHS charities

Marlow RFC’s prop row forward Toby Yate is to put his body through the ringer next month to raise money for NHS charities.

The young forward is embarking on a challenge that will see him row 700km in just seven days on a static rowing machine.

He’s doing it in honour of his father and grandmother, who both died within a few months of each other last year.

Toby is hoping to raise £1,750 for the NHS, who provided ‘wonderful’ care for his loved ones when they needed it most.

In light of this, and the incredible work Berkshire NHS has done for COVID-19 patients, Toby felt it was right to ‘give something back’.

Toby expects the challenge will test both his physical and mental capabilities, adding that he was preparing to put his ‘body through hell’.

“On the May 5, my dad, Stuart Yate died of prostate cancer,” he said.

“On August 17, my gran, Sue 'Sunshine Susie' Yate, also died. To say thank you to all the amazing people from the NHS who helped them and our family over the years, I will be rowing 700km over the course of a week to raise money for the Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. My challenge starts on the 24th August".

To donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/700kmrow