Row for the Galloways

Our friend and colleague Andy Galloway is married to Lucy and they have two beautiful daughters who are 3 and 1.

So when Lucy was diagnosed with breast cancer a few weeks ago, their life took a drastic change of direction.

Everything was perfect. Two great jobs, two thriving kids and a crazed lovable spaniel, all while they build a beautiful family home.

And then cancer comes along and tries to derail everything.

Lucy now has to go through a gruelling period of chemotherapy and surgery which will last for months. The pressures this will place on the Galloways as a family will be immense. From Lucy feeling unwell, unable to work and support the family while she recovers during this time will place huge pressure on Andy to keep the family going and most importantly, be strong for all his girls.

Here's the thing.

The Galloways are strong. They are resilient and foundationally tough from the ground up. They will win this and stand tall when the fight's over.

They are also backed by us, the Police Family. Specifically all our team at Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Firearms Training, and we are not about to stand by and watch.

Cancer has drastically underestimated its opponent.

To that end, on the day of Thames Valley Police Open Day 2024, the 7th September we are running a 24 hour Rowathon at Sulhamstead Training Centre.

Two Concept 2 RowErgs will be running continuously from 11.00hrs that day until 11.00 hrs the following day.

We will also have a treadmill and bike for anyone who prefers not to row, so no excuses!

A few of us will be keeping the rowers going through the entire night.

It's no accident that this has fallen on the Open Day, and we will be right next to the ingress pathway to the event so we can appeal to everyone coming to get involved, even for a few minutes.

Our aim is to raise some money for the Galloway family to have some recuperative time away as a family once Lucy has been through her treatment. Her recovery will be vital and we are going to make that as seamless as possible.

So we are asking for donations of any size, so we can accomplish our aim. And even better than that would be for you all to come and support the event at any time....even in the middle of the night!

Andy is our friend and colleague and his family need us. Not that he would ever admit.

"We rise, by lifting others at their time of need".

See you there.

Rob Lucarotti - proud friend and colleague of Andy.