The penultimate Wednesday of June saw a very special event come to a conclusion when Laura Griffths completed a charity row.

Sidmouth Herald: The Sidmouth Gig Club crews raise their oars in honour of the end of the terrific charity row completed by Laura GriffithsThe Sidmouth Gig Club crews raise their oars in honour of the end of the terrific charity row completed by Laura Griffiths (Image: Archant)

It was at 6.30am on the Wednesday two crews from Sidmouth Gig Club took to the sea to salute Laura as she completed her 24-hour rowing marathon ‘Roger’s Row’, something she undertook to raise funds for Parkinson’s disease and Hospiscare.

Laura had set out at 7.20am the day before, rowing in her single sliding seat skiff and continued through the day and into the night, rowing steadily in circuits between Jacob’s Ladder and Weston, only stopping briefly to refuel on fish and chips brought out by husband Tom!

The two gig club crews briefly accompanied Laura on a row towards Ladram, before getting into position at 7.15am to raise their oars in the traditional gig way to honour Laura’s 24-hour achievement.

It was an emotional moment for all as Laura finally rowed between the gigs and back to the beach to be greeted by a band of friends and well-wishers.

Anyone wishing to support Laura’s epic fundraising effort can still donate by visiting her funding page, which can be found at www.justgiving.com/companyteams/rogersrow