Chiswick RNLI take part in 24-hour row-a-thon

Giving the crews a helping hand at the start will be special guest, British Olympic gold medal rower, Greg Searle, who is currently training for the London 2012 Olympics.

The gruelling challenge is to raise money for the RNLI's SOS Day.

Martin Blaker Rowe, lifeboat member at Chiswick, said: "We came up with the unusual idea of a 24-hour row, however, rather than do it on the river, where you're not that visible to passers by, we decided it would be great to do it in fill view of thousands of people.

"We're aiming to row the equivalent of the length of the Thames from its source to the sea; a distance of 215 miles."

Last year on SOS Day, the team donned full protective gear and walked all the way from Teddington to the Tower of London to raise money.

The crews who hope their efforts will attract people to show their support and possibly inspire others to take part in an RNLI fundraising event, will start their sponsored row at noon on Friday January 29.

To sponsor the lifeboat crews or to find out more about their plans, visit www.justgiving.com/chiswickRNLISOSday2010