Motivational Case Studies
Carole McNally
Related tags: Fundraising
Date Added: Thu, 26 Mar 2009
12th December 1962 - 14th February 2007
by Kelly Sapsford
"When you have confidence you can have a lot of fun. And when you have fun you can do amazing things."
Carole McNally burst onto the Indoor Rowing scene in 2003 and quickly became a force to be reckoned with, winning medals at both national and international level. But it was her unwavering enthusiasm, determination and good humour that enriched many peoples lives.
Carole was one in a million - special in so many ways - passionate about improving her own times but equally passionate about supporting many, many others around the world, whether a seasoned campaigner or newbie - you felt she genuinely cared.
It wasn't just the UK that was touched by Carole's magnetic personality and enthusiasm. She kept in contact with many indoor rowers across the pond. Joan van Blom, American Olympic silver medallist said "Her warm messages were what made me feel welcome to 'join' the Forum group." She went on to say "At the Euro Open in Amsterdam I recall she exclaimed with a big smile, and still incredulous herself, in front of the group, 'This is Team Oarsome.' That was before I joined, and was the motivation for me joining."
Her love of life and sense of humour also made her unique. When she broke her leg it became her trademark - bright pink "pot" and hat to match, she rowed one-legged to a medal at the Scottish Championships.
Carole was also at the centre of many charity fundraising events making headlines in both local and national papers. Unlike so many others who were content to take on long distances like marathons, Carole always added the pressure of raising money for her favourite charity, Manchester Children's Hospital, raising £1,500 for them when she set a new British record of 7 hours 55 minutes and 59 seconds for 100km in 2005. She also convinced her friends to don fancy dress costumes and race in the team events at both the European IRC and BIRC. The "BIRC Babes" raised over £3,500 as well as winning the gold medal at BIRC in 2006.
BIRC 2006 was Carole's last race and her last charity event. In December 2006, Carole was diagnosed with cancer.
Sadly, Carole passed away on February 14th 2007 but, inspired by Carole's work for charity, many of her friends from the indoor rowing community decided to stage an event in aid of both Manchester Children's Hospital and Macmillan Cancer Support, who not only did a fantastic job for Carole but also for thousands of others around the UK.
"McNally's Macmillan Madness" took place over the weekend of April 14th and 15th. The main 24-hour rowing event took place at Virgin Active Deansgate Manchester but satellite events took place around the UK and the rest of the world with many people wanting to contribute in anyway they could.
Over 30 rowers took part in the event at Manchester. Participants travelled from all parts of the UK. The event consisted of using eight Concept2 Indoor Rowers to try and cover as many relay distances as possible, which ranged from a quick sprint of 800m, right through to 100,000m relays! Participants ranged in age from 22 right through to 77 year old Mavis Surridge, who took part in events for over 12 hours! It wasn't just able-bodied people who took part. Disabled rower Tracey Brown, who hasn't walked in over 12 years, attempted to row as many 2,000m pieces as she could within 24 hours. She managed an amazing 25x2,000m, which when added up is almost five miles longer than the London Marathon!
Youngest rower Sam White attempted a solo 24-hour row. Fighting off tiredness, blisters, blood, sweat and tears, Sam dug deep into his reserves and covered an amazing 211,000m!
Event organiser Kelly Sapsford, along with team mate Christina Nugent-Lee, attempted to break the women's tandem 100,000m World Record which has stood since 1999. Rowing 5,000m per turn, Kelly and Christina smashed the old record by over 18 minutes, crossing the line in 7 hours 7 minutes 00.5 seconds!
Kelly described the event as a "huge success!" and went on to say, "This event would never have happened without the support of Concept2 and Virgin Active, who have worked side by side with us right from day one! Over 1.3 million metres were rowed during the 24 hours and to date over £8,500 has been raised for Macmillan Cancer Support and Manchester Children's Hospital. Carole would be so proud! She will always be remembered by her friends and teammates, as well as by the indoor rowing community at large, and indeed anyone who was lucky enough to have ever met her."
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