Nine days ago, a team of students from Cirencester College began an epic 200- mile adventure of kayaking the length of the River Thames to raise awareness of water pollution.
Starting at the source of the Thames on 13th July, students David, Joshua, Jonnie and Sam began their journey accompanied by Stuart Williams, Head of Outdoor courses at the College.
The team of water sports enthusiasts carried their kayaks for the first 11 miles as the water was too shallow to kayak in. This proved a challenge as the team lifted their kayaks, full of equipment, over multiple stiles before they reached a point they could point the kayaks down on the water.
They kayaked the remaining 189 miles, starting at 5am each day and spending approximately 10 hours a day on the water. They averaged 40km a day and collected over 25 water samples on route to determine the severity of water pollution in different sections of the Thames.
Stuart said “The hardest parts were lifting and carrying the 50kg boats, the 36-degree heat and the 5am starts each day but the students proved themselves. They nailed it. The idea was a collaborative effort which came to fruition after several years of planning.”
They reached their final destination of Canvey Island, Essex on 21st July and raised over £2200 for the Surfers Against Sewage organisation, surpassing their original fundraising goal of £1000.
Surfers Against Sewage strive to make changes to our polluted rivers and make a better environment for wildlife and water sports users.
If you’d like to make a donation, you can find their fundraising page here: Cirencester College Students Kayaking the River Thames. fundraising for Surfers Against Sewage on JustGiving
For more information please contact chloe.suter@cirencester.ac.uk
