This year at 9.00am on the 16th of November, for 24 hours, teams from across the country are invited to Cheshire to 'set their oars' to raise money for the charity Children in Need.

The event will take place on indoor rowing machines provided by Concept2, inside the University of Chester sports hall. The organisers of the event have set an ambitious target of £250,000 to raise during the 24 hour marathon.

Others partners in the event include the Sport Cheshire, University of Chester, the Redgrave Institute, The Chronicle and Dee 106.3 and they all believe that with a real focus we can make this one of the biggest fundraising events in the Northwest and achieve our lofty goals.

Sir Steve Redgrave will be present to help teams with their preparation and show just how the Olympic medallists prepare for events like this and we know that this will bring out the competitive spirit in many of our teams so there are special prizes for teams that have excelled in raising money and those who have rowed the furthest in the 24 hours.

The event is limited to 60 teams and you can have as few or as many in your team as is necessary. Each team will have their own special donation page and all monies raised go directly to Children in Need. Whether you row at school, at university, for a club, in a gym, at work or even at home, if you like a challenge then we need your help. So to get yourself an entry form now call 01244 405 615 and asking for Helen or Bryony or email bryony@scwirrel.com for more information.

Anyone can row and anyone can raise money so this is the perfect opportunity to 'start paddling' and help Children in Need. To enter please fill in the form at therowingcompany.com/children-in-need. For more information on the charity & how your money helps please visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b008dk4b/features/about//