Truly oar-inspiring

There may be more famous solicitor rowers (Jonny Searle springs to mind, while the great grandfather of Matthew Pinsent founded the firm that is now Pinsent Curtis), but surely none can match the charitable industry of Woolwich plc solicitor John Cugley (below left in both pictures).

The last time Mr Cugley came to our attention was when, following a period of training by Mr Pinsent, he rowed 150 miles along the Thames for charity, at the end of which he was hauled ashore by Roger Uttley (below left) the then manager of the England rugby team.

That event raised more than 6,000 for the children's charity Sparks.

Mr Cugley's latest project, again in aid of Sparks, is to row across Scotland from the Atlantic Ocean to the North Sea and back, a 125-mile journey that includes navigating Loch Ness.

He is being sponsored by south-east firm Thomas Eggar Church Adams; the firm's managing partner John Stapleton (pictured below with oar) is suitably keen to keep Mr Cugley a happy client, no doubt.

And, enhancing his reputation as a name-dropper, he has again collected a string of famous people to help him on his way: Princess Michael of Kent, William Hague, Betty Boothroyd, Edward Heath and the Lord Mayor of London are among the luminaries who have sent him letters of support.