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Alex Gibson’s 24-Hour Rowing Challenge

Alex Gibson, founder of the charity Challenging MND, has once again defied the odds with an extraordinary 24-hour rowing challenge. Diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2018, Alex’s remarkable journey has been defined by incredible feats of endurance, raising both awareness and funds for MND. However, this particular challenge wouldn’t have been possible without the crucial support of REMAP Essex Central.

As MND has progressively affected Alex’s strength and mobility, he needed significant adaptations to complete this feat. We stepped in to provide a custom solution, modifying his rowing machine with a backrest and side supports, reinforced with specialised materials to ensure safety and comfort. The modifications also included adjustable seatbelts and foam padding, enabling Alex to row safely for 24 hours.

The level of commitment from our volunteers was outstanding. The Essex Central team worked tirelessly over the Christmas period to create prototypes, and attended the event itself to make adjustments as needed. Their support ensured Alex could complete his challenge – a staggering 30,000 metres, surpassing his original goal of 24,000 metres.

Thanks to our volunteers, Alex could push forward with his mission to empower those living with MND, demonstrating resilience, community support, and the power of adaptive technologies and raising £7,000 for Challenging MND!

Congratulations to Alex on this incredible achievement, and thanks to Peter Livingstone, Chair of our Essex Central branch, and his team for making this possible!

Find out more about Alex’s journey and Challenging MND.

Join REMAP Essex Central at this year’s Volfest!

Join us on Chelmsford High Street for this year’s VOLFEST!

Be it a day, a month or a lifetime commitment, whatever time and energy you can freely give has the potential to change someone’s life. Chelmsford CVS are thrilled to announce that on Thursday 6th June, we will again be celebrating #VolunteersWeek by taking over Chelmsford High Street for VOLFEST 2024.

Over 50 local charities will be coming together to showcase their efforts and promote their services in a festival of all the good that can come of our community working together. Come and join us for a day of feel-good activities, live music, food and fun!

You’ll be able to see first-hand some of the wonderful ways in which charities, like REMAP and volunteers support the community, and find out how you and your loved ones can access that help.

The last VOLFEST in 2023 was an incredible success. Lorraine Jarvis, Chief Officer at Chelmsford CVS said “There was the most amazing buzz in the High Street, people chatting to the stalls, to each other, and finding out how all the local organisations showcasing could benefit them. Volunteering really is life-enhancing, it was an amazing day!”

Do come down on the 6th June to find out more and help us celebrate all things community.

More information the event can be found here: http://chelmsfordcvs.org.uk/volfest

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