Lanes Endeavour team builds recycled raft for charity race

Intrepid Lanes Group rafters are appealing for sponsors as they prepare to take on all-comers in a Thames Water raft race – paddling a craft made from recycled sewer repair materials.

It is the first time that Lanes Group has entered the annual Thames Water raft race, which takes place on Thursday 7 July 2016, and the six-strong team of men and women say they are in it to win it!

They will be competing against up to 40 teams from Thames Water and their contractors in a race that starts and finishes on the River Thames just outside Thames Water’s HQ building in Caversham, Reading, Berkshire.

The team has set up a Just Giving page and is also busy collecting sponsors, because the aim of the event is to raise money for Water Aid. Last year, the race raised £45,000 for the charity.

To link: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Adam-Cadmore

Lanes Group Utilities Division is Thames Water’s wastewater network services (WNS) maintenance partner. Its teams have just moved in to a purpose-designed WNS maintenance HQ, called the Customer Solutions Centre, in Slough, where they are working alongside Thames Water colleagues.

The Lanes raft, named Lanes Endeavour, has been built over recent weeks from left-over sewer pipe lining materials, and offcuts of wood – but still manages to look impressive and elegant, says team captain Ben Draycott.

Ben, Special Projects Manager for Lanes Utilities, said: “We’ve gone for a two hull solution, with both hulls made from off-cuts of drainage pipe liners, strengthened and made waterproof by left-over liner resin.

“We hope this gives us a light-weight but tough raft that will allow us to row to victory. That said, when we found out the race involves a mile of paddling, it was a fall-off-the-chair moment, because none of us could ever be described as Olympic rowers!”

The six team members are: Ben Draycott; Adam Cadmore, Pollution Project Manager; Joe Taylor; Operations Planning Manager; Molly Hooper, Projects Administrator; Daisy Whitby; Personal Assistant; and Matt Hughes, Planning Manager.

Ben Draycott said: “The boat has been designed by our stores manager Richard Yunko, and we think he’s done a brilliant job. It’s a beautiful looking craft. That said, he’s not stupid. He’ll be cheering us on while standing on the river bank.

“The race will have a carnival theme, so we’ll be dressed brightly for the race, and will even be sporting some feathers. We’ll also be wearing life jackets, but that’s just a precaution. We’re hopeful we’re in with a chance of glory!”

To sponsor the Lanes Endeavour team and make a donation in support of Water Aid, go to:  https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Adam-Cadmore