Young rowers are swapping paddles for pavements this festive season, raising money to support Fulham Reach Boat Club's charity work.
The 7k annual Festive Fun River Run on Sunday 1 December invites runners of all ages to test their mettle against the boat club's best, who will be dressed to the nines in their most colourful Christmas attire.
All money raised will go towards supporting the club's charitable youth and community work, which supports more than 1,000 local children a year by giving them a chance to try a sport which was previously inaccessible.
Niamh Stafford, one of the club's young rowers, encourages everyone to get involved. "Definitely do it," she says. "It's for a great charity, and it's also fun to dress up and come along with your friends!"
It changed my life
Earlier this year, the club won the Community Club of the Year at the national Community Sport and Recreation Awards.
'Rowing for all' is key principle for the club, who have helped many people of all ages get out of their comfort zones and fall in love with a new sport.
Loujine Ali, one of many young people involved with the club's bursary programme, said:
It changed my life. If I didn't take this up, I wouldn't have the self-discipline that I have. I have developed so much confidence and have recognised how important sports are for our mental wellbeing, as well as our physicality."
As well as working with local young people, the charity also has a 'Boats Not Bars' programme, a six-to-eight week rowing course designed to help people in prison get training, receive vital support and work towards an indoor training qualification.
The programme also extends its supports for people who have left prison, providing a supportive community who want the individual to thrive, links to jobs and other networks, and are in the process of setting up work placements.
Looking to take up a new sport?
The annual fun run is great opportunity to chat to Fulham Reach Boat Club, who have helped hundreds of people discover a sport they once thought was out of reach for them.
Their team of volunteers will be there before, during and after the race, giving you the perfect opportunity to hear about how rowing can benefit you, and just how easy it is to get involved.
Niamh added: "Rowing very much has a stigma around it that it is only available to those who are rich, and I really appreciate that Fulham Reach tries to reach out to everybody because it should be a sport that people have access to.
"I have made a lot of friends through rowing. It's very social and its very community focused. It's really rewarding."
Lights, carols, action!
The fun run is just one of many great activities for the whole family throughout the borough coming up in the next few weeks.
To help you get in the spirit, we've compiled a comprehensive list of everything happening in the lead up to Christmas.
Take a look at our latest issue of What's On and make sure to subscribe to stay up to date with the latest news and events.
