Poole Gig Rowing Club's Great River Race for Help for Heroes

We are a dedicated seven-person mixed team from Poole Gig Rowing Club, and we are thrilled to announce our participation in the Great River Race in London on September 21, 2024. This iconic race, often dubbed the "London Marathon for rowing boats," spans 21.6 miles through the heart of London, from Millwall in the east to Richmond Common in the west. With around 300 crews competing in various types of craft, the race is an incredible showcase of endurance, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Our team will be rowing a traditional Cornish Pilot Gig. Historically, these boats were used to deliver pilots to incoming vessels in Cornwall's ports. Today, they are celebrated in competitive rowing communities across the UK and beyond, preserving a rich maritime heritage.

The Great River Race is unique, requiring fixed seat boats and adhering to the Waterman principle. This means we will carry a passenger, along with our cox and a 3’x2’ flag. Our mixed crew consists of three women and three men, led by our male cox.

In choosing our passenger, we wanted to honour someone who has given much to their community and country but would not typically have the opportunity to participate in such an event. We are proud to announce that our passenger for this event is Garry Curtis, he is a former Royal Marine who suffered a devastating and debilitating stroke. He has fought hard to rehabilitate and has made impressive progress with his rehabilitation. He has approached his recovery with vigorous determination and fortitude that is a credit to his resolve and mettle. That he has retained his sense of humour and cheerfulness in the face of adversity is amply evident and seriously impressive. We are delighted and proud to have him as our passenger!

Help for Heroes is a vital charity that provides crucial support to veterans, helping them lead independent lives with dignity and confidence. We aim to raise funds to support this incredible organisation, ensuring they can continue their essential work for other veterans in need.

We are honoured to have the backing of Bravery, a veteran-owned business, whose CEO Toby is well-acquainted with the impactful work of Help for Heroes. Their support has been invaluable from the start of our journey.

Your donation, no matter how small, will be a tremendous source of motivation for us and will make a significant difference. Please be assured that we are self-funding our participation in this event, and every penny raised will go directly to Help for Heroes.

Thank you for visiting our page and supporting our cause. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those who have served our country.

Austin, Sean, Damo, Charlie, Charlotte, Nasreen and Elise