A STAGGERING 1.6 million metres were rowed by more than 200 people at an Aberystwyth gym at the weekend, raising £1,500 in memory of the late rugby legend Eifion Gwynne.

CrossFit Aberystwyth, a town centre gym where Eifion was a member and was known as ‘The Engine’ for his formidable fitness, hosted a 24-hour ‘rowathon’ from midday Friday, with Tom James, gym owner, praising the “massive contribution” of family and friends.

Taking part in the rowathon were Eifion’s daughters Mabli and Modlen, and son Idris was also there to show support.

Eifion, known as ‘Gwynni’ to his friends, a 41-year-old father-of-three, died in a tragic road traffic collision in Malaga in October, leaving his family devastated and Aberystwyth in a state of shock.

Eifion played rugby for Aberystwyth and Llandovery rugby clubs for over two decades, and was named man of the match in Llandovery’s famous victory in the 2007 Konica Minolta Cup final, which was played at the Millennium Stadium, now the Principality Stadium.

Mr James said of the rowathon: “In total, 1.6 million metres were rowed by 200 people, both members and non-members, friends and family, which is an incredible achievement.

“We had a massive contribution from Aberystwyth Rugby Club through the night into the early hours of the morning. At least 30 boys came along.

“It was also great to have Eifion and Nia’s children Mabli, Modlen and Idris along on the Friday and Saturday. They loved it, and Mabli rowed an incredible five-and-a-half kilometres.

“I was really surprised by the support shown, not just from members and the rugby club, but from people who had never set foot in the gym before.”

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