A team of rowers from South Wales is set to take on a demanding 21.6-mile river marathon in London next month, raising money for end-of-life care charity Marie Curie Cymru. The combined crew from Barry and Mumbles Sea Rowing Clubs, known as the Welsh Warriors, will compete in the Great River Race along the River Thames from Millwall to Richmond.
Three-day challenge from Barry Yacht Club
The three-day trip involves towing two heavy boats from Barry Yacht Club to the capital for the race, which takes place on 12 September. The rowers will pass under many of London's famous bridges while wearing bright yellow shirts to support nurses who care for terminally ill people. The crew is covering all its own travel and accommodation costs, meaning that every penny donated by the public goes directly to the charity.
Lucy Walker, a Marie Curie volunteer and member of Barry Sea Rowing Club, said: "Our crew is made up of rowers of all ages and abilities, united by a shared goal. We will of course be flying the Welsh Flag and be very visible in our bright yellow Marie Curie T Shirts!"
Endurance, teamwork and determination
Walker added: "We'll be towing our two trusty boats from Barry Yacht Club to London, competing in the race on 12 September, and then making the journey home again. This is a significant three-day challenge that will test our endurance, teamwork and determination."
The Great River Race is a well-known annual event that attracts crews from across the UK. For the Welsh Warriors, the event serves as both a sporting challenge and a fundraising opportunity for Marie Curie Cymru, which provides nursing care for people with terminal illnesses.
How to support the Welsh Warriors
Donations can be made through Lucy Walker's Just Giving page, which has been set up specifically for the Welsh Warriors Marie Curie fundraising effort. The page can be found at justgiving.com/page/welshwarriorsmariecurie.
The crew's participation in the race highlights the commitment of local rowing clubs to charitable causes while also showcasing the spirit of community sport in South Wales.
