AN Addingham man has thrown his weight behind a truly oar-some challenge to raise funds for charity.

James Parker, the former British rowing record holder, has given his backing to Marie Curie's energetic attempt to fund its new £5.2 million hospice.

It is hoped hundreds of people will help clock up a staggering million metres over just one weekend to boost Marie Curie coffers.

And with the sponsored event staged on the 10 rowing machines at Baildon's Marriott Hollins Hall Hotel and Country Club, those taking part will be able to do their bit without any danger of getting their feet wet, capsizing or sinking.

Earlier this year, a similar event saw more than 200 people raising almost £15,000 for the charity.

The total included some £5,000 from Addingham's Mr Parker, who spent three months rowing a million metres on his own.

Mr Parker will be putting his oar in again this time when he takes part in the event over the weekend of February 26 and 27 2000.

He said: "The last rowing challenge was a huge success for Marie Curie and I hope we can make the next one even better."

Mr Parker's employer - Saltaire-based Pace Micro Technology - has thrown its weight behind the event by pledging £10 for every employee who takes part.

Individuals are challenged to row 2,000, 5,000 or 10,000 metres with teams of five asked to cover 10,000 metres between them in relay.

So far the hospice appeal has brought in more than £3 million and the new facility is due to open in early 2001.

The new state-of-the-art centre will replace Marie Curie's Ilkley-based Ardenlea hospice.

However, the town will retain some Marie Curie patient services, and the Ardenlea fundraising team will remain based in Ilkley.

Marie Curie's Bradford fundraiser Brian Curran said: "This event is one of our most successful and has the potential to raise thousands of pounds for us."

"We think we'll attract people who not only want to support the appeal but who also want to shed a bit of weight after Christmas and New Year and get fitter," said Mr Curran.

He added that it was hoped the rowing challenge would become an annual fixture.

Further information about the rowing fundraiser can be obtained from the Marie Curie Appeals Office on 01274 780606.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.