Thames charity row raises thousands for St Mungo’s homeless charity
The Charity row on the River Thames was in memory of the late Lord Bob Kerslake, who was the Chair for the Peabody Trust.
Published: 19/10/2023
On Monday 16 October, Peabody’s Group Director of Repairs and Maintenance Neil Watts presented a £16,000 cheque to St Mungo’s following a 200km row from Reading to Leigh on Sea, via London. Neil visited St Mungo’s Endsleigh Gardens to hand over the cheque and to see firsthand where the funds will make a difference to the lives of those recovering from homelessness.
The Charity row on the River Thames was in memory of the late Lord Bob Kerslake, who was the Chair for the Peabody Trust. Lord Kerslake sadly passed away in July this year. Neil wanted to honour Bob’s work and his commitment to ending homelessness by rowing to raise funds for St Mungo’s. Neil is the Group Director of Repairs and Maintenance at Peabody. St Mungo’s is the secretariat for The Kerslake Commission, and Bob worked closely with the charity.
Neil, with a team of four, rowed for five days, went through 20 locks, weaved through heavy boat traffic and bridges and navigated some difficult weather conditions to reach the finish line.
Neil said: “I was really excited to be taking part in this charity row, supporting St Mungo’s and our late chair, Bob. It’s important to Peabody that we continue his incredible work, so choosing a charity that’s dedicated to ending homelessness is the perfect fit.
“Thank you all for your generous support and in joining together in memory of Bob and his tremendous career of service”.
Reta Robinson, Director of Fundraising at St Mungo's said: "On behalf of everyone at St Mungo's, we were deeply saddened to learn of the devastating passing of Lord Bob Kerslake. Bob was a dedicated champion of the homelessness sector, with a deep-rooted commitment to end rough sleeping.
"We are extremely touched by Neil and the team fundraising for St Mungo's whilst remembering Lord Kerslake's life and legacy.”