Castle Newnham school, is proud to have a ‘Star’ rower in the school. Darcey Murphy, 13, was selected by Star Rowing Club to take part in the inaugural ‘Centurian Challenge’, an initiative set up by London Youth Rowing (LYR).
The centurion’s task was to complete 100km in 24 hours. With the support of multiple quad crews throughout the period Darcey rose to this mammoth challenge and completed it cheered on by the club, family and friends. It wasn’t a race; it was about endurance.
Darcey began rowing just two years ago, following in the footsteps of her dad who was also a rower. She showed a natural aptitude for rowing, impressing her coaches and squad mates from the beginning.
Andrew Triggs Hodge, a three-time triple Olympic champion, four-time world champion and working with LYR, telephoned to congratulate Darcey on her achievement. He said: “As our youngest Centurion, Darcey is an inspiration. To take on this challenge at such a young age, we are very impressed.”
Ruth Wilkes, Federation Principal at Castle Newnham says: “Here at Castle Newnham School, we are incredibly proud of Darcey and the honour she has achieved of representing her club as a centurion. This is not only an amazing achievement and opportunity for Darcey personally but also brings forward work to support local state schools in promoting rowing which will open up further opportunity for young people in Bedford.”
The Star Club is currently running a ‘dry start’ programme, in partnership with two schools in Bedford, aimed at introducing young people to indoor rowing, and to provide opportunities at the club to take up the sport.
By working with LYR and raising funds from the Centurion Challenge, Star Club will employ a Community Coach to run the dry start programme, and will expand the project to working with six schools in the local area.
For more information about the programme contact the Star Club on 01234 212070 or to donate this initiative visit
https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/StarClubCenturionChallenge
