Friday 19th September marked the day we embarked on our big ma’ROW’thon fundraiser challenge in support of Norwich City Community Sports Foundation, and we completed it!
What lay ahead was 26.2 miles of water to be covered by 9 teammates in one Katakanu. At Nu Image, we love setting ourselves a challenge, and this was one of our biggest yet. One that, even up to the day itself, we were completely sure we’d manage. What can we say? We love making the impossible possible.
What actually went down?
In the days leading up to the event, there was a lot of prep involved – from collecting the fundraiser signage from CIM Signs to transporting the Katakanu, kindly entrusted to us by Whitlingham Adventure.
The itinerary for the day started with an 8am launch from Brundall Bay Marina. The air was full of suspense… and a fresh breeze. But this turned out to be our first blessing, despite an extremely volatile week of weather, we were met with perfect rowing conditions: clear skies, sunshine, and that same gentle breeze. It made a real difference to both how much we enjoyed the day and how hard it was.
Naturally, the first few hours flew by. Some of the team even spotted their first ever kingfisher in the wild, the tunes were playing, and supporters were turning up at as many viewing spots as possible. Could you ask for a better Friday morning?
Our biggest challenge (within the challenge) was keeping the Katakanu in a straight line. But around two hours in, with Ian and Emily leading the front, we cracked our technique, and we were cruising.
We always planned to turn around at New Mills Yard, which conveniently sat around the halfway mark of our marathon distance. But the return leg is where things got tough. We knew exactly how far we had to go, the sun was now high in the sky and hitting 25 degrees, water breaks were few and far between, dehydration became a familiar friend, and blisters were forming fast.
What kept us going? Friends, family and supporters. Whether they were waving homemade signs, delivering doughnuts, papping us for CSF’s photography, or offering a much needed hug. Every gesture meant the world and gave us a lift when we needed it most.
For the final 8 miles, we were on our own. When the delirium set in and it felt like we were rowing through treacle, every team member stepped up. From asking which dinosaur you’d beat in a fight to debating what drink was waiting at the finish line, the team’s cheer and grit pulled us through, safely and successfully.
Because at the end of the day, they’re genuinely good people. And for that, we’ll always be grateful.
Why was this challenge Nu Image coded?
Aside from being completely bonkers, this challenge and charity partnership connected with us on a much deeper level this year.
We’re all about working together, pulling in the same direction, and helping others go further than they thought they could. Many of the Norwich City Community Sports Foundation’s programmes are built on the same ethos, developing skills, confidence, and opportunity. Just like we do for businesses, the NCCSF helps people grow, connect, and thrive.
That, along with the personal connection through Emily, made supporting a local organisation that shares our values feel especially meaningful.
The result so far
We rowed a total of 26.45 miles, smashing our target in classic Nu Image style, in 9 hours and 12 minutes. The moment we hit our goal was pure euphoria, made even more memorable by a pigeon celebrating in its own way by dropping a deceased bird into Ellie’s lap. You couldn’t make it up.
As of today, we’ve raised an incredible £2,805. We want to say a massive thank you to every client, friend, and family member who donated, shared our story, or sent kind words our way. The difference your support will make to those who benefit from NCCSF’s programmes is bigger than you know, even if it just means the best part of someone’s week can continue.
A few words from Creative Director, Ian, about this year’s event “This team never fails to amaze me. Each year we think of something crazy to do, and each year the team finds it in themselves to step up to the plate and deliver. For the Ma’Row’Thon, the challenge wasn’t just about completing the marathon distance, it was about completing it before losing light – so we had to average at a reasonable pace to avoid running out of time. The final 3 miles were really tough, but everyone rallied together to bring it home.
Seeing Hope by the side of the river, to say thank you for supporting her happy place made every bit of it worthwhile.
I need to say some serious thank yous. Firstly, a huge thank you to the team for all their efforts on the day and prior – both training and fundraising. Thank you to Mo for doing an incredible job of bringing the whole crazy idea together. Thanks to everyone who donated and supported the cause, and to all the local businesses who partnered with us for it too. Thanks to Emily, my buddy for the day, who gave everything and smiled from start to finish. And thanks to Whitlingham Adventure for their generous support in loaning us the Katakanu for the day, and Norfolk Yacht Agency for providing us with a support boat.”
You can watch some of the highlights from our day here.
A final push
Being the overachievers we are, we’d love to break the £3,000 mark. If you can spare anything at all, please donate via our JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/nu-image-row-a-marathon.
Every donation, big or small, helps someone build a brighter future.
Once again, a huge thank you to everyone who’s supported us. A special shoutout to Norfolk Yacht Agency and Whitlingham Adventure, without whom this challenge wouldn’t have been possible.
We’re proud of the team, proud of the cause, and proud to be part of something bigger.