On Saturday 4 March 2017 09:30, at The University of Cambridge Boathouse Bishop Stephen of Ely Cathedral will be blessing a Hudson eight in honour of Ann Catherine Smith, mother of Patricia Smith, a Cambridge University Women’s Boat Club squad member.  

Ahead of the blessing, the boat will be formally named by Patricia’s father, Mike, in the presence of her brother, her CUWBC Teammates and the coaching and support team.

Patricia is a Material Science student at Christ's College. Her mother died after a cancer illness, in the last weeks of Patricia's First Year and just as Patricia joined the CUWBC team. Ann, who was an alumna of Churchill College, was delighted to know that her daughter had found a sport that was having such a positive influence on her life.

Last year Patricia was inspired to combine her love of sport with her wish to support scientific research to help with the fight against cancer. She wanted to make a difference to families like hers and chose to take part in 27 sports in 27 days and raise money for Cancer Research UK and the project to build a much needed boathouse for Cambridge University rowers. Patricia raised over £10,000.

The boat naming on Saturday will be take place at the recently opened Cambridge University Boathouse in Ely: Fore Mill Wash, Queen Adelaide Way, CB7 4UB. The event will be followed by coffee and cakes in the boathouse with incredible views of Ely Cathedral.  

Anyone interested in attending the event would be most welcome and should contact James Lee, CUWBC Club Coordinator: James@cuwbc.org.uk, 07813 097794.