GLOBE readers are being urged to pull together to beat cancer by taking part in The Great Row - a unique fundraising challenge for Cancer Research UK.

In partnership with the renowned Oxford & Cambridge Boat Races - now known as The Cancer Research UK Boat Races - the charity is urging people across Merseyside to take on the indoor rowing challenge to raise money to help beat cancer sooner.

Would-be rowers can go solo or complete the challenge as part of a team, there are different challenge levels to choose from - anything from 2,000 metres up to a full marathon.

The chosen distance should be covered on an indoor rowing machine and completed during "Challenge Week," a week before the Boat Races on Sunday, April 2.

Olympic rowing champion Helen Glover, who is supporting the event, said: “Having a fresh challenge to kick off the New Year is a great way to get health and fitness goals back on track, or inspire those who want to take on the gym for the first time.

“The Great Row is flexible and includes a challenge to suit every level, whether you’ve never used a rowing machine before or you think you might win an Olympic medal one day."

Alison Barbuti, Cancer Research UK spokeswoman for Merseyside, said: “Cancer does not discriminate - almost everyone will have either experienced cancer themselves or know someone who has been affected.

"That’s why we need as many people as possible to pull together and beat cancer by signing up for The Great Row." 

Every day around 110 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West.

Money raised by the Great Row will advance research which is helping more men, women and children in the region and across the UK to survive the devastating disease.

To download a training plan and fundraising pack visit: Cancerresearchuk.org/TheGreatRow and to join the conversation follow #PullTogether on Twitter.