City of Bristol College students rowing for Hospitality Action Week 2013

City of Bristol College students rowed the equivalent distance of a round-trip from London to Paris to raise money for Hospitality Action Week, an industry charity focused on helping those in crisis.

The 250 miles were rowed inside City Restaurant, College Green Campus by a total of 30 students, with each taking turns to row 30 minutes on an exercise rowing machine. The challenge has raised the money in conjunction with David Lloyd Bristol, which kindly loaned the College two state-of-the-art rowing machines for the challenge.

The College is working with David Lloyd via The Chefs’ Forum to promote health and fitness amongst those employed in professional kitchens, by raising the profile of nutrition, sport and general healthy living.

Miriam Garstang, Curriculum Team Leader at City of Bristol College, commented: ”We’ve been overwhelmed with the students’ willingness to take part in the challenge. Over thirty students have been sponsored for the rowing event. Despite everyone having sore limbs at the end of the day after collectively rowing 2013 km, it was a greatly rewarding event. As a College we always try to do our bit for Hospitality Action as we truly value the great work that the charity does.”

Mark Johns, Area Manager for David Lloyd Leisure commented: “We were delighted to support this event and at the same time raise the profile of the importance of keeping healthy and active when working in the hospitality industry. Long hours and highly stressed kitchen environments can take their toll on chefs’ health. Regular exercise and healthy eating will enrich lifestyles and boost performance”.

Now in its fifth year, Hospitality Action Week has become one of the most important events on the industry calendar with hospitality professionals doing their bit to raise money for their peers who fall on hard times. The money raised over the seven days will go towards helping some of the most vulnerable members of the hospitality industry.

From 13-19 May, the College is raising funds for Hospitality Action Week through a range of activities which was kick-started with the sponsored row.

Hospitality Action CEO, Penny Moore, commented: “The past four Hospitality Action Weeks have been jammed packed with supporters across the country doing their bit for the charity. From managing directors to college students, everyone has gone that extra mile and this year we really want to build on the momentum.”

Find out more at www.hospitalityaction.org.uk/haweek

To take part please contact the fundraising team on 020 3004 5504 or by email to: fundraising@hospitalityaction.org.uk To view some of the messages of support the charity received last year please click on the HA Week video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bla18EltHkE

Looking for a quick and easy way to show your support? Simply text 70070 with the code HAWK13 £5, to donate £5 to HA Week.