Alex Smith completes London river race for charity

Alex Smith (photo)​, financial industry editor in London, on the water with fellow crew at the start of the Great River Race, in which they rowed 21 miles up the Thames to raise money for the Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Trust, a charity dedicated to helping sufferers of the muscle-wasting genetic disease.

It was a highly successful row in their Admiralty Sailing Craft class boat, Smith said after the 15 September event. “We completed the race in four hours and 17 minutes. Conditions were amazing and Benny steered like a pro.” Benny is 14-year-old Ben Knight, who has SMA.

“We had some great vocal support on the day from bridges and the riverbank (helped by the fact it was a beautifully sunny day) and a wonderful response on sponsorship (it is not too late for people to make donations).”

Money raised thus far amounts to £1,800 with more to come. Donations to the SMA Trust can be made at Just Giving. ■