Pedal power takes to the Thames

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the alternative boat race this weekend

Forget the boat race, it's pedal power not rowing that will be the real winner this Easter weekend. Oxford and Cambridge are not the only teams taking to the Thames, a pair of emergency services staff will be braving the waters in a pedalo - the first time such a challenge has ever been attempted on the capital's famous river.

 

London Ambulance Service Paramedic, Liam Kenny and London Metropolitan Police Officer, Kevan Ward will peddle over seven miles along the Thames, leaving from the London Apprentice Public House in Isleworth at 14.45 hrs and expected to arrive at Putney Bridge by 17.30 hrs. The challenge is in aid of the Starlight Children's Foundation, a national charity that grants the wishes of seriously and terminally ill children. Throughout the race, other team members will drum up support along the river bank and hope to collect over £1000 for the charity.

 

Liam commented: �We wanted to undertake a challenge that had never been tried before and surprisingly no-one has ever cruised down the Thames using a pedalo. We may not be as fast as the Oxford and Cambridge teams but we hope that our efforts will raise a smile and a lot of money for Starlight.�

The team will be peddling again for the cause later in the year when they undertake an even greater challenge - cycling Route 66. The �Miles4Smiles' challenge will see the team travelling 2,280 miles along the famous road that crosses eight states from Los Angeles to Chicago

                                         

March 21, 2005