My friend and uncle-in-law, David Bradley died in May 2008 at the tragically young age of 56.

Between Thursday 28th and Saturday 30th May a small group of friends will attempt the row from the source of the Thames at Lechlade in Gloucestershire to Putney Bridge to raise cash to swell the lifeboat fund.  135 miles and 42 locks, but downstream!

David was an inspirational man who would have loved to be taking part in this event which is potentially alot of fun but, I suspect will involve serious pain and hard work.

Exactly the sort of  challenge that he would have thrived upon, either in various parts of the world visted by his various Harlequins rugby teams, Pangbourne rowing crews or indeed the various marinas and ports that had the pleasure of his boat "Goose" with his family and wide circle of friends.  He rowed and sailed and loved the water - salt or fresh.

Through the generousity of the Baltic Exchange and his many friends around the world a fund has been created to dedicate  an RNLI inshore rescue boat in his name.

I hope you will feel able to sponsor us in this worthy endeavour. 

Thank you for your support and the generosity of the Thames Traditional Boat Society for donating Sgian Dubh for the row.

Alex Hoodless