London Otters is London's LGBT+ inclusive rowing club. Our mission is to increase the profile of both competitive and recreational LGBT+ rowing within the sporting community, and to promote the sport of rowing in the LGBT+ community.

(Team members Alex, Sean & Bryan, after a race on the River Thames, somehow still smiling!)

Since our founding in 2014 we have grown to be a club of over 120 members, with 300 people looking to get onto our 'Learn to Row' course. We are providing a healthy and fulfilling way to meet an amazing group of people dedicated to bettering themselves and supporting those around them. We have opened up the sport of rowing to many people who never thought they could sit in a boat, let alone race in the Gay Games - we're sending over 70 rowers to the competition in Paris in August!

(London Otters supporting Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign with it's Rainbow Regatta at the Royal Docks)

Sadly our intake and courses are restricted by our access to facilities, equipment and funds. We want to ensure rowing is a sport that is accessible to as many people as possible - it's part of our inclusive ethos! In order to do that, we need help! We need to increase the amount of boats and equipment we have available, plus ensure we have a sustainable long term future through planning for future boathouse and club needs.

(Our captain, and valiant team member Michael being incredibly brave by coming out of the club closet)

So, to celebrate our participation in the Gay Games this August and to enable the club to continue growing we are planning an Ergathon on 21st July 2018. The name might need a little explanation! 'Erg' is the term used by rowers for the indoor rowing machines we all see (and sometimes use!) in the gym. We will be erg-ing a combined 344km, the distance from our London boathouse to Paris - where the Gay Games will be taking place this August.

(Team member Brian doing what he does best, boat selfies, with Cheryl Brown, they're teaming up for the Mixed Doubles at Paris this year!)

The majority of the funds we raise through the Ergathon will be used to purchase equipment for our young club, with the remainder being made available to support participation at the Gay Games in Paris. Anything you can give would be massively appreciated!

Should you wish to read more about the Otters you can check out:

• Our website (http://www.londonotters.org)

• Read & watch coverage of our club and its impact on the LGBT+ community on Sky Sports

• You can see more about our member's preparations for the Gay Games in this interview for Out For Sport

Thanks for reading! :-)