At Teddington RNLI and in the RNLI family in general we are always grateful for

contributions from the public.

We would not exist to do our work without the support of people from the UK and abroad. Here at Teddington RNLI, we are very proud to be part of the local community and to support people in our area.

Whether people are in need of help in an emergency situation, or when people do great things we are there to give our support.

In return they support us with such generosity.

Allow me to introduce you to Cathy Almond.

Cathy is a friend of Graham Jaggers, one of our Deputy Launching Authority's (DLA's) at Teddington RNLI.

Cathy is a member of both Twickenham Rowing club and Greenbank Falmouth Rowing Club, and is part of a group of rowers who have tried to continue to keep fit during lockdown.

Cathy, who has been in lockdown in Cornwall but has access to an indoor rowing machine, decided to do a sponsored 42km in 24 hours rowing challenge on behalf of the RNLI.

She started rowing on Saturday morning 27th March at 8am and completed her endeavour on Sunday 28th March.

Cathy explained that some rowing clubs, including Twickenham, hired out their rowing machines to members so that they could train at home and they have also taken advantage of online rowing sessions where you can row in a community.

I asked Cathy why she had decided to join James Cracknell in the challenge.

She said: "This is one of my last online ergo sessions before going back onto the water, so

why not make it count?!

"I recall how busy it was out on the water last year, particularly on the

River Thames around Twickenham.

"Although personal exercise was permitted during last year's lockdowns, and this could, for individual scullers and families with their own private boats, have been used as excuse to continue rowing independently, most rowing clubs discouraged their members from doing this.

"Most water sport communities recognised that this would stretch our already overburdened emergency services, including Teddington RNLI, who are crewed entirely by volunteers."

This is from Cathy's fundraising page:

"As a rower, I understand how important it is to respect the water and the risks it

creates.

"Living by the sea means that I also hugely appreciate the guardianship of our local

beach lifeguards and the local lifeboat crews who are always on-call for emergencies.

"Very soon, I'll be able to spend less time on my rowing machine and enjoy rowing on real water

again - I want to do something practical to support our lifesavers before I go back out there.

"As a charity, the RNLI depends on our donations so it can go on saving lives and keeping us

and our loved ones safe.

"RNLI lifesavers are our lifeline. They're the lifeboat crews who provide 24-hour search and rescue right around the UK and Ireland. The lifeguards keeping watch on 240 of the busiest beaches in the UK and Channel Islands. And the RNLI safety teams and educators working tirelessly to stop people getting into trouble in the first place. Thank you."

In fact, Cathy we would like to say 'thank you' to you!

Teddington RNLI and the whole of the RNLI are very grateful for your amazing effort on our

behalf.

With help from people like Cathy, Teddington RNLI can continue to be there 24/7 as

a volunteer RNLI Lifeboat Station.

If you see anyone in difficulty on the River Thames, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

For more information about the RNLI, visit their website HERE