Catching up with Helen as raises funds and river pollution awareness


Helen's journey begins

Putney resident Helen Charlton has been following the River Thames on a 300km journey from source to sea for rowing and sailing charity The AHOY Centre.


Helen with faithful companion Treacle at Windsor slipway

She has walked, paddleboarded and kayaked 268km/167miles, reaching Putney today (21st September), and will be setting off again from Putney by paddleboard on Sunday (23rd September) with the Big Ben Challenge as part of the Putney Foreshore Festival.


Making her way near Bourne End

Helen is due to complete her journey next Wednesday 26 September rowing to the Thames Barrier with AHOY apprentices-who she is supporting by raising funds for their apprenticeship scheme.

Helen says: “It has been a wonderful experience seeing the river change along its route, meeting other river users and seeing the many different river communities. I have had great support from friends, family and colleagues, for which I am so grateful. At times it has been challenging and I wondered if I had bitten off more than I could chew-I only learnt to paddleboard in March and by September I was paddling solo. But I know the difference my fundraising will make in improving life chances for a young person-it makes me more determined than ever to see this to journey’s end.”




There is still time to make a valuable donation to Helen’s cause, and to see more of her journey, here:
Twitter: @followthethames,
Instagram: @followthethames
Help raise the £15,000 for the 1-year apprenticeship you can donate at : BT MyDonate


September 21, 2018