Kent Police beat the Queen’s Gurkha Engineers in a charity rowing challenge today in Maidstone’s Jubilee Square.

Both sides had two teams each which battled it out in four races to raise money for the Gurkha Welfare Trust’s Nepalese earthquake response fund and local charity More Than Words.

The charity was set up this year by PC Paul Hughes to help support the families and carers of children with communication difficulties.

One of the races was the 17,696 metre Everest challenge, which the Queen’s Gurkha Engineers completed in 56 minutes, narrowly beating Kent Police by one minute.

Kent Police officer Tristan Stevens, 38, said he has lost half a stone in training for today’s charity event.

PC Paul Hughes who took part in the challenge today is hoping to raise money for More Than Words, which he set up in January this year to help the families of children with communication difficulties.

“We set it up because my daughter is disabled,” said Paul. Four-year-old Gracie’s condition is undiagnosed, which adds complications, he said.

“The NHS hasn’t got the funds to provide the necessary services, so we offer free courses to families. By the end of the year, we will have trained 120 parents and carers.

“Everyone always thinks that having a disabled child is a bad thing - it is hard work - but it’s not.”

Donations are still being counted.

by PC Paul Hughes