When most of us are asked if we want to do a little for charity, we think why not, can’t be that bad can it!? Maybe a bit of a bike ride or some jogging, a bit of waxing maybe but here was the catch, we are going to row 22 miles across the English Channel from Dover to Calais!!

Yes you heard us……....rowing the channel!!

 

Probably one of the most physically, mentally demanding and life changing activities imaginable to any of us untrained, slightly wary of water and oncoming P&O Ferries fearing kind of people! 

But we agreed that for a great cause it seems like a worthy thing to do or maybe just lunacy and we can all blame Viv Burnett for convincing us to take part!! 

 

Have you ever asked yourself what you really know about the River Thames?

 

If there was a quiz then I am sure we would all have the same answers, it runs through London, longest river in the UK, home to old shopping trolleys, a few unfortunates with concrete boots, the HMS Belfast, has numerous bridges that the Americans could never identify correctly and once had a whale swim up to Parliament on a tourist visit etc! Well our chosen charity sits quietly on the banks of the Thames in South London. It is an incredible beacon of light for all who utilise the fantastic facilities that are provided and run by volunteers who are seen by all as their extended family.

 

It provides life changing water activities and a community for adults and young people, whether able-bodied or with varying disabilities. It provides an environment free of any social labels or pre-conceptions, where everyone is free to grow and learn.  Kids who have lost their way can find a place and a real belief in themselves.

 

The AHOY centre is an RYA (Royal Yachting Association) sail-ability centre of excellence and offers a full range of RYA sail-ability courses and qualifications. The charity owns a number of boats that are adapted to enable disabled users to sail or row them. The centre relies on money raised by people like us to run real life-changing sailing and rowing courses for people with disabilities or for young people disadvantaged by their home-life or background. All the money raised goes directly into running the courses and keeping the charity going.

 

I know we are all a bit fed up with the people in fancy dress at the station, collecting for some (worthwhile?) charity, but this is a genuine cause with the money going to help keep this charity afloat. Please help us and donate something, anything and have a direct impact on the lives of these people, your donation can make all of the difference to a small charity. 

 

In partnership with BNP Paribas Real Estate as well as supporting the AHOY Centre, 75% of all money raised over and above this target will go to BNP Paribas Real Estates charity of the year, the NSPCC (http://www.justgiving.com/nspcc).

 

Help us to change lives through sailing and rowing.