A GROUP of teenage rowers raised more than £2,710 in memory of a schoolmate after tackling a monster challenge on Loch Ness.

Monmouth School for Boys’ U16 eight were on track to set a new record for rowing the 22.7-mile long famous Loch until deteriorating conditions and technical difficulties put paid to their attempt on Saturday (September 15).

Perhaps it was Nessie stirring under the water and making waves which threw the record bid off course.

But the money raised will go towards the cost of a new boat in honour of pupil and rowing cox, Tom Walker, who died suddenly and unexpectedly in June at the age of 13, and to Cancer Research Wales.

The crew were among 15 boats who took part in the Monster the Loch challenge, and the only junior entry.

The Wye boys demonstrated “outstanding teamwork, skill and willpower” during the epic row on the 260m-deep loch, and overcame several setbacks in difficult conditions.

They were seven minutes ahead of the record when, due to technical difficulties, they were forced to stop shortly before the finish.

Crew member Angus Whitehead, 16, who lives in Monmouth and is also a member of Monmouth RC, was following in the blade puddles of his father, Adrian Whitehead, who rowed Loch Ness and set a course record in 1976.

Angus said they were all inspired by paying tribute to Tom.

“He loved rowing at Monmouth School for Boys and he could not wait to get into the cox seat. We wanted to support the fantastic work of the Cancer Research Wales charity and we are also raising funds towards the cost of a new boat, named after Tom, to keep his rowing dream alive.”

Monmouth School rowing master John Griffiths, said: “The boys showed incredible teamwork and wonderful support for each other, and with Tom firmly in their thoughts, no-one wanted to give in.

“Unfortunately, the pump and bailers could not empty the water fast enough and so it was impossible for the boys to continue.

“Whilst records get broken, the memories and camaraderie from the experience will last for ever. The warmth and depth of support towards the boys – and the challenge - has been incredible.”

They weren’t the only crew taking on an epic challenge at the weekend, with the school’s U18 eight tackling the 31-mile Lincoln to Boston Marathon on Sunday, finishing in four hours 27 minutes.

To make a donation to the Monster the Loch fundraiser, see www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/msrc-monstertheloch2018

n A 218-boat armada will be launching on the River Wye this Sunday for the annual Monmouth Autumn Head of the River Race.

Crews and scullers from Monmouth RC, Monmouth Comprehensive School, and the towns’ two Haberdashers schools will be looking to repel challenges from 12 other clubs, including local rivals Ross, a Dutch club, Swansea University and Worcester. Boats go afloat to race 1 1/2-miles against the clock downstream to the rowing club at 10am, 12.30pm and 3pm.