'Oarsome' effort from Tideway team raises more than £35,000 for charity

More than 90 Tideway staff took part in an eight-mile rowing challenge on the River Thames to raise an impressive £35,552 for charity.

Fifteen teams, each with a crew of six people who are working on the construction of London's new super sewer, rowed from Chelsea to Deptford to raise money for the AHOY Centre, a watersports-based charity that helps people build life skills through sailing and rowing.

Andy Mitchell, Tideway CEO, took part in the challenge on Friday. He said: "I am so proud of the team for putting in the training and hard work to complete this challenge. It's our goal at Tideway to reconnect London with the River Thames and to see the full recreational potential of a cleaner river realised.

“To be part of an event where so many of the Tideway team were out on the water, while raising a fantastic amount of money for a worthy cause, was a fantastic and inspirational event to be part of. I hope our fundraising helps the AHOY Centre in continuing their invaluable work to get people out on the River Thames."

The Deptford-based AHOY Centre provides opportunities for disadvantaged and at-risk youngsters, and for disabled people to participate in activities.

Clive Ongley, AHOY’s founder and CEO, said: “The support from Tideway has been incredible – firstly, with some of their volunteers helping out at the centre on several days and then to secure fifteen teams to fundraise and complete a Meridian Pull rowing challenge for us. The funds raised will go towards the costs of running our apprenticeship programme and will support more disadvantaged and vulnerable young people to achieve and find employment, and enable them to have a future.”

For more information about the AHOY Centre, visit www.ahoy.org.uk.