Rivers should be a source of clean water for everyone to enjoy but, sadly, they are often more polluted than we realise. In my home town of Witney, in 2020 alone, the Thames water treatment spilled raw sewage into the river for 1563 hours (that's more than 65 days, non stop sewage!) and this all ends up in the Thames. 

The Rivers Trust are passionate about protecting rivers and champion the importance of healthy rivers through sharing knowledge online, at schools and through local groups. They do a lot of work to protect rivers, including tracking pollution in the Thames.

I want to see a future of wild, healthy, natural rivers that are for all. That's why on July 10th I will be swimming 4 miles in the Thames, at the Henley Swim Festival, to raise money for and awareness of The Rivers Trust.

I have always loved swimming and have really picked it up during the pandemic. I haven't swum in wild water just yet, so wish me luck!
If you also believe in clean rivers, for all walks of life, then please sponsor me and help The River Trust protect our rivers. Thank you very much.

Jeroen