Story
<p>All,</p>
<p>Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page! It's really appreciated.</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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.....</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Many thanks!</p>
<p>Jonathan</p>