In lieu of the annual Schools’ Head of the River Race, SPSBC rowed a 2k ‘School’s Head’ piece on Monday 29th March in honour of Freddie the Seal.

All donations will be split between Thames 21 (a school-partnered charity seeking to uphold the river's integrity) and British Divers Marine Life Rescue (the charity which rescued and transported Freddie).

Not so long ago, a seal pup known as Freddie Mercury began to frequent the St. Paul's slipway. He was a beloved and treasured visitor, until his tragic demise following a dog attack. He was transported to a hospital in Essex, but the injuries sustained were irrecoverable, and he was put to sleep - an incident the news of which we received with heavy hearts.

Freddie the seal's story is a stark reminder to us of two things. First, of how fortunate we are to have access to the river - and second, that it is our duty to protect it, and those who share it with us. We believe that it is fitting to honour his legacy, and the close - if tragically short - relationship he had with us, by raising funds for reputable river and marine charities. In this way, we can do our part, however small, in protecting the other Freddies swimming in our waters, and preserving the nature which so benevolently graces our doorstep.

Links to charities:

Thames 21 
BDMLR