Tony Chivers, a former chairman of both the Benevolent Fund and the Dentists' Health Support Trust, is so concerned that the two charities which exist to help colleagues who are in need of support are facing financial problems, that he is rowing 100 miles in November. At age 91 it is going to be a bit of a challenge!

For each mile that Tony rows he will donate £4 (Gift Aided). Tony is to do this on a Concept Rowing Machine on which he will keep an accurate record of the distance covered each day. Anyone wishing to inspect the records or to see him 'on the water' will be very welcome so to do. Tony is hoping that many readers will be prepared to sponsor him and the proceeds from the row will be divided equally between the Benevolent Fund and the Dentists' Help Support Trust (the latter exists to provide funding for the Health Support Programme).

Donations can be made through http://www.justgiving.com/tonychiversrow100; by texting the message BENF10 £xx (for preferred amount) to 70070 or by post to BDA Benevolent Fund, 64 Wimpole Street, London W1G 8YS; telephone 020 7486 4774. www.bdabenevolentfund.org.uk