Support a one-in-a-million challenge raising money for vital children’s cancer support

Author: Silver Buck 

Digital Health Rewired is an opportunity to showcase the latest innovation and best practice from across health and social care. But one impressive activity taking place during the event on the 18 and 19 March will be the ‘Thanks a Million Challenge’. This inspirational world-record breaking charity fundraising effort has an incredibly important cause – helping children battling cancer through the power of physical exercise therapy.
 

The Cause: Empowering young warriors through exercise
 

At the core of the ‘Thanks a Million Challenge’ is a profound mission: to support children with cancer and their families by providing vital exercise therapy. The challenge is fundraising for the ‘PB Active’ three year project spearheaded by the Momentum in Fitness Charity.  This initiative delivers tailored exercise programmes to children under the care of the Piam Brown Unit at Southampton General Hospital and extends support into the broader community.

Engaging in regular physical activity during cancer treatment has been shown to help young patients manage side effects and enhance their overall quality of life. By fostering physical strength and mental well-being, ‘PB Active’ offers young people a semblance of normalcy and empowerment during their treatment.
 

The challenge: Rowing one million metres – nonstop!
 

The challenge itself is as ambitious. Scheduled between 2-5 June 2025, the challenge (taking place at London Paddington Station) involves a mixed team of 12 dedicated individuals who will embark on a relentless quest to row one million metres non-stop on a Concept2 rowing machine. This Herculean task must be completed within 61 hours, 58 minutes, and 41 seconds to set a new Guinness World Record™! It will not only test the physical endurance of the team (none are professional rowers!) but also mirrors the resilience and determination exhibited by children undergoing cancer treatment.
 

The fundraising target: £169,000 for 169 days
 

The financial goal of the challenge is deeply personal and poignant. Team captain, Gihan Ganesh, is an anaesthetist at Frimley Health NHS Foundation and his daughter spent 169 days undergoing active treatment for a rare and complex pelvic tumour. Gihan’s daughter Lola, now two, is recovering well from her treatment and the team hopes to raise £1,000 for each day she was being cared for, culminating in a total of £169,000. These funds will ensure the sustainability of the ‘PB Active’ project for the next three years, extending its reach and impact to benefit more children and their families.
 

Engagement at Digital Health Rewired 2025
 

Before the world record attempt, the team will showcase their mission at this year’s Digital Health Rewired —the UK’s premier digital health event. Delegates and exhibitors will have the unique opportunity to meet the rowers, witness live rowing demonstrations, and even attempt to match the world record pace!
 

How you can make a difference 

The success of the ‘Thanks a Million Challenge’ hinges on collective support. Here’s how you can contribute: 

• Donate: Every contribution, big or small, propels the mission forward. Donations can be made through the official JustGiving page, ensuring that the ‘PB Active’ project continues to thrive and support children in need. 

• Spread the word: Amplify the challenge’s reach by sharing information within your networks—you can find the challenge on Instagram. Your voice can inspire others to join the cause. 

• Corporate support: Support from businesses are very welcome, whether that’s sharing the challenge on your own networks, or giving the team another platform to talk about their efforts. 

• Say hello at the event: Every good wish and ounce of encouragement goes so far to push the team on. If you’re attending Rewired and have a few minutes to spare, please head to stand F52 where you will find the team being kindly hosted by CardMedic.
   

The Thanks a ‘Million Challenge’ is more than an attempt to set a world record; it’s a testament to resilience, compassion, and the unwavering belief that we can make a profound difference in the lives of children battling cancer.
 

For more information and to stay updated, visit the official website: The Thanks a Million Challenge for Momentum in Fitness Charity – Rowing a Million Metres for Children with Cancer