The Abbey Theatre is hosting a celebratory fundraising event on the 22 and 23 February 2020, as Matt Hughes-Short completes a 24 hour rowing challenge to raise money for both the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation and the theatre.

Company of Ten member Matt, in the middle of the above photo, has been passionate about raising awareness of lung cancer since his Dad passed away from the disease in 2012. The row presents Matt with the opportunity to give something back for two causes close to his heart.

Since 1990, the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation have funded millions of pounds of research to help detect lung cancer, supporting individuals from diagnosis, ensuring everyone diagnosed with the disease can live well for as long as possible. Money raised from sponsorship and the event will support the commission of new lung cancer research, lung cancer support groups lung cancer information days around the UK.

Money raised from sponsorship and the event will also go towards the Abbey Theatre’s own fundraising efforts. In Matt’s view, improving the facilities and space at the theatre will allow it to continue offering proven social, psychological and emotional benefits for adult members (through the Company of Ten) and young people (through the Company of Teens, St Albans Music Youth Theatre and visiting groups, like Theatrix).

The Rowathon event, sponsored by Everyone Active, begins at 12 noon on the 22 February and will include:

• Live entertainment, including music, theatre, dance and more (Saturday from 13:00).
• ‘Bring and Share’ afternoon tea with guests invited to bring cake, biscuits or other tea items (Saturday from 12:15).
• Breakfast bacon butties, tea and coffee (Sunday from 09:00).
• Rowing challenges, including ‘250m sprint’ and ‘Guess the Total Distance Rowed’ with £100 worth of Amazon vouchers up for grabs (Saturday from 12:00).
• A huge raffle with prizes generously donated from elite sports clubs, corporate organisations and local Hertfordshire-based businesses (Saturday and Sunday).
• … and the bar will be open! (Saturday 12:00 midday – 12:00 midnight).

You can donate to Matt’s cause by visiting his sponsorship page here: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/24hourrowmhs

If you are interested in volunteering at the event or providing entertainment, you can get in touch with Matt on m.hughes.short@googlemail.com