Rowing Volunteer’s Award

A COMMITTED member of the Lower Thames Rowing Club (LTRC) has been named volunteer of the year at a prestigious awards ceremony.

Anne Gunn, who is co-chairperson of LTRC, was awarded at the British Rowing Awards 2023, following her efforts to encourage membership of the club, and promote the mental health benefits of rowing.

In 2023 Ms Gunn organised key community outreach activities and qualified as a British Rowing Certified Rowing Coach, in order to design and organise the club’s Learn to Row (LTR) programme.

She has also forged a strong link with the local mental health charity Trustlinks and organised four separate rows, which saw over 30 people with mental health issues out on the water rowing, enjoying the physical and mental health benefits that rowing on the Thames Estuary can give.

A member of the LTRC commented: “Aside from Anne’s work in making sure the club runs smoothly for its members, I have worked closely with her on our partnership rows with the Trustlinks charity and the open day.

“Her commitment to making sure these events are inclusive as possible and her ‘no fuss’ attitude to pragmatically organising them has been outstanding.

“For me the best example of their success has been that both the external participants and volunteers from the club have commented on how fulfilling and enjoyable they were, with most people asking

when the next events will be in 2024.”

LTRC was founded in 2003 by Leigh resident Ron Sverdloff, operating for 20 years now out of Two Tree Island.

The club consists of over 100 members, most of whom are over the age of 40, with some in their 90s.

They regularly participate in adventure rows, social rows, and organised races.

A spokesperson for the club added: “There is a lot happening in the club and much more to come throughout 2024.

“We are overjoyed that we can support the club members with a variety of different things, but our proudest achievement has to be the way we support the mental health of all of our members, and everyone leaves with a smile on their face at the end of the row.”

For information about how to join, or to learn more, visit: lowerthames.co.uk/app/club/v1/home

Picture: Anne Gunn. Pic British Rowing Awards 2023.

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