*THE RAFFLE HAS NOW BEEN DRAWN, BUT YOU CAN STILL MAKE A DONATION TO SHOOTING STAR CHILDREN’S HOSPICE*

I hadn’t been in a rowing boat for 35 years when I decided to take on the challenge of rowing 80 miles of the Thames from Oxford to Hampton - not far from where the Thames becomes tidal. The challenge has been organised by LEH & Hampton schools to raise money for our local children’s hospice. Over two days in September, around 80 rowers - both parents and pupils, aim to complete the 80 mile row navigating through 28 locks on the way before arriving safely at the school boathouse. While I won’t be in the same boat as my son, he is also taking part and will no doubt find it much easier than I will. Please help Jasper and me raise as much money as possible for a very worthwhile cause.

(*THE RAFFLE HAS NOW BEEN DRAWN. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ENTRIES / DONATION* If you are entering the virtual raffle, each £5 donation = 1 entry. You must add your email address in your message so I can tell you if you win a prize. As there is a prize involved, do not add gift aid to your donation unless it’s purely sponsorship. Thank you.)