An urgent appeal has been started to save one of Richmond's most spectacular annual river events.

This year's Great River Race was cancelled for the first time in 33 years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Now the entire event is at risk, due to a crisis which has seen many of its main sources of funds disappear.

Known affectionately as the 'river marathon', the 21.6-mile race on the River Thames begins on the Isle of Dogs and finishes near Ham House.

It involves 2,500 people in 300 boats battling it out for the glory of being crowned UK Traditional Boat Champions.

Huge crowds gather on the riverside as entrants pass under Richmond Bridge on the final stretch of the race.

The next race has been scheduled for September 2021. But Richmond Nub News understands the event does not have enough cash reserves to even make it to 2021 when it plans to start taking bookings.

An online Crowdfunder page has been set up with the aim of raising £35,000.

At the time of publication on the afternoon of Monday, August 3, £795 had been pledged by 29 people.

Long-term survival on the line

The page reads: "With Covid-19 we took the difficult decision for the first time in 33 years to cancel the GRR 2020.

"Unfortunately, we now find ourselves in the difficult position of surviving until our next scheduled Race in September 2021.

"As an independent not-for-profit business, we have minimal cash reserves and have lost our small sponsors (only for this year we hope) and grant funding that normally helps us through the year.

"With the race cancelled we also now have a year of little to no income but we still have a small core team who plan for and organise the Race year-round.

"We did not qualify for the Government furlough scheme and do not meet the criteria for many of the funds out there to help businesses in this time of crisis.

"To date we have been helped by our very supportive landlords and a Small Business Rate Relief Grant in addition to a small directors loan, but having reduced our outgoings to a minimum we are still facing a shortfall to cover ongoing monthly costs to keep the race going.

"This Crowdfunder will help to secure the long-term survival of The GRR. If you are able to help us you will not only be saving the GRR team but an event that is a loved and valued advocate of traditional rowing."

Visit the Crowdfunder page 'Help Save The Great River Race' if you wish to donate.

What its supporters say

Fond memories and messages of good will have been shared on the fundraising page.

Simon wrote: "If there's one thing we should all have learned in the last few months it's knowing the enormous value of a physically shared experience like the GRR - we owe it to ourselves and each other to save this great event!"

Amanda said: "We need to save this event, which is one of London's best events. A wonderful occasion also for spectators who line up on all the bridges."

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