Women lifeboat rowers are bracing themselves for an oarsome task.

Ready and waiting - Charlotte Combes, Karen Gowlett, Julie Brown, Marion Bullock and Chris Rudge are taking part in the Great River Race on the River Thames. Picture: STEVE ARGENT (38107-1)

The rowers, of Walton and Frinton Ladies Lifeboat Guild, are set to take part in the Great River Race on the River Thames.

This year, they will be rowing in memory of former guild stalwarts John and Barbara Pearce, who died earlier this year. The couple renovated the dilapidated boat The Guilded Lady and donated it to the Guild more than 12 years ago.

The 22-mile race from Richmond to Greenwich attracts hundreds of entrants. This year's determined crew - Marion Bullock, Chris Rudge, Charlotte Combes, Karen Gowlett, Julie Brown and Jean Oehlric - are hoping to raise more than £1,000 for the RNLI.

Published Thursday, September 9, 2004

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