About

We’re Bench Blisters Rowing Club, a small community crew who love the river and the people it brings together. Thanks to a last‑minute withdrawal, we’ve been offered a rare chance to race the JD in the Great River Race — London’s iconic 21‑mile challenge from Millwall to Ham. We decided to use that opportunity to support a charity that quietly does extraordinary work: the Shadwell Basin Outdoor Activity Centre. SBOAC gives young people from less‑affluent backgrounds the chance to discover confidence, teamwork and resilience through outdoor adventure. They help teenagers build healthier life choices, stay active, and stay connected — especially those who might otherwise be pulled towards riskier paths. Our crew — Well Blistered — is rowing to help them continue that work. Every donation helps a young person find a safe space, a positive role model, and a sense of what they can achieve. If you can support us, we’d be hugely grateful. If you can share the link, even better. And if you can cheer us on from the riverbank — we’ll hear you. Let’s make a splash for SBOAC.