Ewan and I started training for the actual D2W (a paddling race from Devizes to Westminster bridge) at the start of Lower Sixth in September 2019, aiming to complete it in 2020. This was cancelled due to Covid, as was the 2021 race so instead we created and trained for our own version, the Thames Challenge. This event would cover the same distance of 125 miles with a half marathon of portages (picking up the boat and carrying it between locks).
The course started at Lechlade and finished in Teddington. Because we were not racing competitively, the four boats that took part: myself and Ewan, Hal and Tom, Charlie and Ciara and Amber and Ethan, were able to stay as a group and motivate each other in a variety of ways, such as singing, much to the delight of other river users (!!), helping us to grow as a team. The entire journey has been a highlight for me at LWC, mainly because of the people but also because of the things we have accomplished, including fund raising over three times our original target of £1000 for Breast Cancer Now.
Our thanks must go to everyone who made it possible: our Coach Richard, our Headmaster, Mr Mobbs and Miss Mobbs for training and paddling with us, Ms D-C, Tony Gray and our amazing support crew. It would not have been possible without them, and we all are hugely proud of what our team has achieved, an excellent way to finish mine and Ewan’s time at LWC.
Ellen G and Ewan O