Making every stroke count – Schoolboy’s 500km challenge

A schoolboy who first took up rowing to complete his Duke of Edinburgh award has set himself the challenge to row 500 kilometres (310 miles) to support persecuted Christians around the world.

Anselme Decouttere, 14, has so far rowed 280 km (175 miles) while balancing his studies at Dame Alice Owen School, in Potters Bar.

Inspired by the work of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), he is taking part in a #RowforHope, an initiative linked to the Catholic charity’s flagship campaign #Red Wednesday, which marks its 10th anniversary this year.

The year 9 pupil, who lives in Islington, said he was working towards his Duke of Edinburgh Award, a youth achievement programme, and was looking for some volunteering.

He added: “My mum helped to look for something meaningful and we found ACN so I decided to combine my passion for rowing with supporting charity that really inspired me.”

As Anselme probed the charity’s website, he discovered that many Christians around the world continue to face persecution simply because of their faith. 
His research also helped him understand how ACN supports communities by providing emergency relief during crises, rebuilding churches and schools damaged by conflict and persecution, and advocating for Christians whose stories might otherwise go unheard.

He added: “This has made me appreciate how even small actions, such as raising awareness through my rowing achievements, can contribute to a much larger cause.”

Anselme only began rowing a year ago but now trains five days a week. Three mornings are spent on the water at either the River Lea or the Royal Albert Docks, while two sessions focus on strength and endurance training in the gym.

He admitted that it was very demanding, adding: “Training five days a week while keeping up with school can be challenging, and I’ve ended up with blisters on my hands from rowing. But I keep going because the cause is much bigger than the discomfort, and I want to do everything I can to reach my goal.”

Although he often rows as part of a four-person crew, he also undertakes solo outings as he completes his challenge in spurts.

He said: “So far I have rowed 280 km through training and competitions to raise awareness of ACN’s work. I’m aiming for 500 km but I’ll probably do more.

“I recently came third in a national competition for rowing, and I dedicated that achievement to Aid to the Church in Need.
“I do this as I hope my initiative will encourage others to do the same and will encourage them to learn about the important work ACN does and to raise money to help them.”

Reflecting on the experience, Anselme added: “Taking part in this volunteering initiative has shown me that volunteering does not always have to involve direct fundraising. 

“Raising awareness, encouraging others to learn about an important cause and showing support through personal achievements can also make a meaningful difference. It has been rewarding to combine something I enjoy, rowing, with supporting a charity whose work has inspired me.”