All,

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page!  It's really appreciated.

The 'Great River Race 2011', (otherwise known as "LONDON'S RIVER MARATHON"), takes place this Saturday 17th September, and is a 21 mile course upstream on the Thames from London Docklands to Richmond. 

Now in it's 23 year, there are 300+ crews taking part in a broad spectrum of river craft, and I will be rowing in a 100yr old (heavy!?) clinker built boat, with a collection of (slightly worried) Chiswick friends.  It all seemed such a good idea, when we discussed it over a pint some time ago.....

The practice sessions out on the water have been (what I could only politely call) 'enlightening', for the non-rower that I am.  Lets just say it involved; blisters, sores, more sores, and pain.  Whilst not likely to be troubling podium contenders, a finish time of around 4 hours would be great.

The Sands Charity, helps couples through still birth and neo-natal death  -a bewildering and choking experience, that has a personal and enduring bearing on me. Their advice and support is something I'd really like to help others to be able to gain strength from.

Whilst there's an element of trepidation(!) for the race, the challenge is set, and the river awaits!  I will feedback on the strain/damage, safe in the knowledge that there's some genuine gain out of the effort put in.

Many thanks!

Jonathan