Oar-some raft race raises thousands for Water Aid

Paddlers from Lanes took to the water as 40 rafts made a splash for a campaign to provide clean water and toilets in two African towns.

Hundreds of people took part in Thames Water’s annual charity raft race on the River Thames in Reading, Berkshire.

The water company is seeking to raise £2million for Water Aid to provide clean water and toilets in the Malawi towns of Kasungu and Mponela.

Six colleagues from Lanes Group, Thames Water’s wastewater network services maintenance partner, took part in the event which organisers hope will smash through last year’s fundraising total of £42,000.

Marcus Missen, Director of Communications and Fundraising at WaterAid, said: “One in three people in Malawi live without clean water close to home. Clean water is a human right, not a luxury item reserved for the lucky few.

“The longstanding support of Thames Water and its customers is vital as we work towards a world where clean water and good sanitation are normal, not just for people in Malawi, but for everyone, everywhere.”