A CORNISH rowing club conquered the prestigious Great River Race in London at the weekend to raise money for two causes close to home.

Rowing as the ‘Cornish Pirates’ for the international event, the Mevagissey Rowing Club crew tackled the 21.6 mile challenge up the River Thames in a total race time of three hours, three minutes, 19 seconds.

Provisional published results showed that the Mevagissey crew, who rowed from Millwall to Richmond, finished 57th overall out of a field of 269 boats.

The team took on the challenge to raise money for the Doubletrees School, based in Par, as well as for the rowing club itself.

Doubletrees provides specialised, inclusive and personalised education for children and young people with complex and profound learning disabilities.

A fundraising page was set up by Hannah Dunnington, who has a special connection to the Cornish school that helps every learner reach their full potential. She said: “As a parent, I know first-hand how invaluable Doubletrees is in supporting my daughter and giving her the opportunity to thrive.”

The money raised will also go towards helping the club continue to give people of all ages and abilities a way into the sport.

After completing the course, a post on the rowing club’s Facebook read: “Our very own ‘Cornish Pirates’ made it back home safe and sound from ‘The Big Smoke!’

“This incredible crew rowed over 21 miles on the River Thames raising money for charity. They had an incredible time and their results showed how their hard work and training paid off. Well done crew!”

“We are at 63 per cent of our target to support Doubletrees School and Mevagissey Rowing Club. We’d love to reach 100 per cent to maximise the donations.”

To make a donation, visit the fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/page/hannah-dunnington-2