Rowing challenge highlights children’s cancer care at Rewired 2025
- 28 March 2025
- The Thanks a Million Challenge will see a team of 12 rowers attempt to row one million metres non-stop in support of the PB Active project, run by UK charity Momentum in Fitness
- PB Active provides tailored exercise therapy for children undergoing treatment at Southampton General Hospital and uses digital tracking tools to monitor and adjust care programmes
- The record attempt will take place 3–6 June 2025, with the team aiming to raise £169,000 by rowing one million metres in under 62 hours
A world-record rowing challenge to raise awareness around children’s cancer care was showcased at this year’s Digital Health Rewired, which took place 18–19 March 2025.
The Thanks a Million Challenge will see a team of 12 rowers attempt to row one million metres non-stop in June in support of the PB Active project, run by UK charity Momentum in Fitness.
PB Active provides tailored exercise therapy for children undergoing treatment at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust’s Southampton General Hospital and uses digital tracking tools to monitor and adjust programmes to individual patients’ needs.
The challenge was showcased at Rewired 2025 to highlight how physical activity monitored through digital solutions is transforming supportive care for paediatric oncology patients.
Gihan Ganesh, anaesthetist at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust and team captain of the rowing challenge, said: “My daughter’s journey showed me the immense physical and mental toughness required to fight cancer.
“This rowing challenge, born from my own limited exercise during her treatment, is a tribute to that strength. We’re aiming for a Guinness World Record to bring much-needed positivity and support to other families.”
Studies show that monitored physical activity during cancer treatment can significantly improve patient outcomes, with digital tracking tools playing an increasingly important role in tailoring exercise programmes to individual needs.
The PB Active programme uses these insights to help young patients manage treatment side effects and improve their quality of life.
A parent of a 14-year-old patient commented: “This was the most effective intervention we had and it’s made the biggest difference to her.
“She’s now able to walk unaided without a wheelchair, she’s going back to dance and to school way earlier than expected, she’s getting back to being a normal teenager and that’s what it’s all about. Momentum in Fitness Charity’s work has been life changing.”
At Rewired 2025, digital health professionals engaged with the rowing team at Stand F62, hosted by CardMedic, where they watched live demonstrations and attempted to match the world record pace on a Concept2 rowing machine.
Rachael Grimaldi, founder and chief executive of CardMedic, said: “As digital health innovators, we recognise that technology and human determination work hand-in-hand to improve patient outcomes.
“The Thanks a Million Challenge embodies this spirit, using digital platforms to raise awareness while supporting physical interventions that make a tangible difference in children’s cancer care.
“We’re proud to support this initiative at Digital Health Rewired, where the digital health community can unite behind such an important cause.”
The world-record attempt is set to take place at London Paddington Station from 3–6 June 2025. The team will attempt to row one million metres in under 61 hours, 58 minutes and 41 seconds and aims to raise £169,000.
This represents £1,000 for each day Dr Ganesh’s daughter underwent treatment for a rare pelvic tumour.
Donations are being accepted via the official JustGiving page. Digital health organisations interested in supporting the challenge can reach out to the team through the challenge’s website.
