Last month Merched Y Môr ventured from their home waters in Pembrokeshire, West Wales, to take part in the annual river race on the Thames. The sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the second saw the race almost cancelled, with last minute frantic emails leading to an amended event, now a procession not a race, out of respect to the royal family.

Despite a broken arm in the crew and a last minute sub these ladies were not going to be stopped from a weekend of rowing, bonding and general laughter, which seems to be the character of this crew! Determination pays off and despite this event being relegated to a procession and “definitely not a race” our team rowed all 21.6 miles with no changes in the boat, no rest and more than a few blisters to show for their efforts!