Local businesses raised £10,000

Local businesses from the Furness area completed a timed challenge involving rowing on Windermere and running up some neighbouring fells in a bid to raise money for young people in Furness.

BAE Systems Maritime, Temple Heelis, The Grove Group and global fashion brand, boohoo, entered a team each and Sanlam UK sponsored a sixth team from Newcastle University.

Their timed challenge, which began and ended at Brathay Hall at the north end of Windermere, was devised by us as a fundraiser. Each team had to row to three points on the lake and send a pair of runners up and down three fells - Latterbarrow, Gummer's How and Wansfell.

First back was the Newcastle University team in a time of 6hrs 58mins – a new course record, followed by BAE Systems in 7hrs 59mins.

The event is known as RowRunner and this is the 7th event of its type. The event is about raising money to help Furness young people living in care, or on the verge of entering the care system, with unstable or difficult family lives. Through the community programmes we deliver in the area, we hope to inspire and build their confidence and encourage them to set the goals they need to secure employment and live independently.

It was a pleasure to be involved with the fantastic RowRunner competition. BAE Systems Submarines is proud to sponsor such a worthwhile event. This year's was better than ever, and let's hope it goes from strength to strength. Let's also hope the shipyard team goes one better next year and is able to claim the winner's trophy.

Neil Doherty, BAE Systems Corporate Social Responsibility Senior Management Advisor

"It’s been an absolute pleasure, and the team got to understand a little bit more about the magic of Brathay. They really enjoyed it, it went so smoothly and we thank you for your first class organisation."

Lucy Clough, Group HR Director at boohoo