Over the last couple of years, Robert Jeffries, has lead and spearheaded on his own one of the most beautiful and touching initiatives I have ever seen: the establishment of a Thames Memorial to the lives lost in the River Thames.

Rob was a police officer in the Metropolitan Police for 32 years. The second half of his service was spent policing the River Thames. During this time he took over responsibility for the Thames Police Museum at Wapping and he continues to administer and run that as a retired police officer on a voluntary basis

An estimated 5,000 people have died in the Thames since WW2 and it is estimated that an average of 50 lives are lost in the Thames every year, leaving behind many grieving loved-ones.

The idea of the Memorial was born a few years ago, when Rob was contacted by a lady called Val Hills, who asked him if he could shed any light on the death of her son, Daniel, in the Thames some five years earlier.

Currently no remembrance structure exists for mourners who have lost their loved ones in the River Thames. There is no single location in London where someone grieving the loss by drowning in the Thames of a friend or relative can go to remember and reflect on that person.

The Thames Well Wishing Memorial will be created by award winning artist Clare Newton. It will be dedicated to every victim.

Excitingly, an agreement has been reached whereby it will be erected in All Hallows by the Tower Church at Tower Hill within the City of London. This is a wonderful location which will provide security and easy access to the memorial in a prestigious location, close to the river. Also the Vicar of All Hallows is hoping to hold an annual service for all victims who have died in the river.

£4,500 has been raised but we remain £500 short of our target.

Please take a few minutes to watch a great youtube video by both Rob Jeffries and Clare Newton (in update section below)

Thanks very much for your help