Rowing marathon inspired by late grandfather raises £3k

Not every young rower was taking part in the Olympics this week.

Jamie Watson, 24, and his sister Gabby, 19, of Washington Drive, Windsor, spent Monday and Tuesday performing in their own 24-hour marathon on a rowing machine at the Asda store in High Wycombe.

Jamie, who is studying for a doctorate in cell biology at Durham University, and Gabby, a first year biology student at Imperial College, London, are both past rowing medal winners for their country.

They have temporarily 'retired' from rowing to concentrate on their studies.

But the death of their grandfather Adrian from bowel cancer last year inspired them to undertake their marathon between 6pm Monday and 6pm Tuesday to raise money for research.

Their mum Ali said: "They aimed to raise £2,000 but we think they made £3,000.

"Shoppers in High Wycombe were wonderful and contributed £1,000 while they were doing the marathon."