ROWING fundraisers have gathered hundreds of pounds to help a charity supporting children and young people with additional needs.

Woodley-based Me2 Club held a row-a-thon in the precinct on May 25 and raised £739 thanks to the support of EllisKnight Recruitment.

Members of the public were invited to donate or get on the machine to see how far they could travel and a total of 57km was managed throughout the day.

Me2 Club helps children to access mainstream activities by recruiting volunteer buddies to make it easier for them to take part.

Liz McDaniel, fundraising development officer, said: "We are very pleased with the amount of money that was raised.

"We plan to use this money for volunteer recruitment and to help run our next couple of volunteer training sessions.

"It is always a big challenge to get more volunteers. The next training sessions are in July and we would love to hear from anyone who may be interested.

"This is the time of year when we need new volunteers, as existing buddies go off to university in the next couple of months."

The charity has helped hundreds of children across Wokingham Borough, but currently has more waiting to be given a buddy.

Me2 Club has been chosen as one of the charities to benefit from this year's Woodley Carnival on June 9.

The children are unable to access leisure activities because of physical limitations, but other young people also struggle with social isolation and a lack of confidence.

Liz added: "EllisKnight supplied the rowing machine and found the volunteers to man it.

"They have been following our work closely for a while and they were keen to get involved with fundraising.

"As well as the row-a-thon, we held a bake sale and sold toys to help raise money. Thank you to everyone who supported the day."

Visit: www.me2club.org.uk if you can help volunteer or if there is a child or young person in your family who would benefit from being involved with Me2 Club.