Row-a-thon Challenge: Foresters Members Take On 215 Miles for The Rivers Trust
At Foresters Friendly Society, we’re proud to have passionate members who go above and beyond for a good cause—and our 2024/2025 Annual Charity Appeal is no exception. For 2024/2025, we’re backing The Rivers Trust, a charity dedicated to protecting the health and future of the UK’s rivers, and three of our own members have stepped up to take on an incredible challenge.
The Challenge: 215 Miles of Rowing for River Health
Foresters members Brooklyn Andrew, Trish Slade, and Bruce Hicks are each rowing the equivalent length of The River Thames (215-miles) to raise vital funds and awareness for The Rivers Trust. It’s an ambitious effort to match the scale of the issue—the urgent need to protect our rivers from pollution, sewage spills, and declining biodiversity.
The journey began on Saturday 22nd February 2025, at our Southern Conference, where Brooklyn kicked off the challenge live on a portable rowing machine. Trish and Bruce quickly followed, each committing to completing the full 215-mile distance by our Annual General Meeting in June 2025.
Why The Rivers Trust?
The Rivers Trust works tirelessly to monitor, restore, and protect our waterways. Their data-driven conservation helps fight back against pollution and supports nature’s recovery.
Progress Update: A Challenge Well Underway
Since February, our team have been steadily rowing their way toward the finish line, with sessions held at regional society events, local gyms, and even at home. Here’s where the team are up to:
Brooklyn – 249km completed
Trish – 302.31km completed
Bruce – 247km completed
Brooklyn reports “It’s been tough but inspiring. We’ve had great support from fellow members, friends and family along the way. Knowing we’re helping such a vital cause really keeps us going.”
How You Can Support
There’s still time to get involved! Donations can be made through the team’s JustGiving page here: www.justgiving.com/page/cdo-riverrow
Whether it’s £1 or £50, every contribution helps The Rivers Trust continue their work safeguarding our waterways.
Join for June
Jo Andrew, President of Foresters Friendly Society for 2024/2025, reports:
“The team are well on track to each meet their 215-mile goal by our AGM in June and I’d like to say a huge thank you to them for their incredible support for The Rivers Trust! Every mile rowed is a mile closer to cleaner, healthier rivers across the UK. Keep up the amazing work!
As the end of my chosen charity appeal in June is fast approaching, I’m inviting all our branches to take part in my ‘Join for June’ competition, to see how far they can also row before our AGM, and I look forward to seeing everyone’s progress.”
Stay tuned for more updates as our terrific trio of rowers near the final stretch. Let’s keep cheering them on as they power through the last leg of this incredible challenge!
To find out more about our Annual Charity Appeal, click here.