RALPHH funding has helped ensure that testing of those being considered to join the ranks of the Junior Great Britain Rowing squad took place at the National Watersport Centre, Nottingham in March.
This important development is designed to ensure that every shortlisted young person can feel certain that their heart and circulatory system will cope with the coaching and other demands in pressing for international honours. Every year between 12-15 young people die from over strenuous activity that their bodies cannot withstand. Therefore, effective testing is a welcome assurance to both youngsters and parents.
British Rowing – the governing body of the sport in this country – has always been keen to offer this testing service to young people who are seeking selection to the Great Britain U19 and U23 Rowing Teams.
The forming of the national charity RALPHH in 2019 was established following the death of National Schools Rowing Champion Robert Allen and has been active across the country in helping fund and encourage more rowing clubs to have defibrillation equipment in their clubhouses. So far 13 of these have received grant-funding from the charity, with plans to extend this further in 2023.
Pictured left to right in preparing for the ECG and sonar testing session at the National Watersport Centre are: Becky Osbourne, from the testing organization CRY; Andy Ciecierski, GB Rowing Team U19 Doctor; John Laying, GB Rowing U19 Team Manager; and Tim Liversage, Director of Rowing at Emanuel School and also a trustee of RALPHH.