Monmouth Wonder Women - the superheroes taking on Race the Thames

There’s a bit of a superheroes thang going on with this year’s Race the Thames. First we had the Paravengers led by undubitable superhero Pete Reed. And now… drum roll… I’m delighted to introduce you to the latest crew of superheroes to throw their hats into the ring: the Monmouth Wonder Women.

Now, they say that not all superheroes wear capes, but frankly where’s the fun in that? When it comes to looking the part, the Monmouth Wonder Women are ALL IN – capes and all – and we’re not stopping there.

We’ll be wearing a different costume for each day of the Race the Thames challenge, completing 346km (43.25km each) between 22 and 29 March to raise money for London Youth Rowing and the Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA – our club’s nominated charity). I’m not yet at liberty to disclose each day’s #OOTD (outfit of the day – duh), but there will be a Henley day, of course, and a rainbow day and much more.

All will be revealed closer to the time, but the most important thing for now is to introduce you to each of the amazing Monmouth Wonder Women.

Bow: Kate “I wonder if my lipstick will stay on” Harcourt

Superpower: making a delicious meal from a near empty fridge

Not a lot of people know this about me, but… I’m really, really good at sliding down bannisters

Doing Race the Thames because: encouraging young people into rowing is just the best thing – and I need a challenge myself!

2: Patricia “I wonder why my split is so high” Carswell

Superpower: can talk without drawing breath for hours at a time

Not a lot of people know this, but… I was run over by a bulldozer when I was two (explains a lot)

Doing Race the Thames because: I can never, EVER resist a challenge

3: Maggie “I wonder why I agreed to this” Hickland

Superpower: making blackcurrant jam

Not a lot of people know this, but… I had to wear a wig in my last job… (nope, no idea…)

Doing Race the Thames because: there are a lot of formidable (bullying) women in Monmouth Rowing Club!

4: Mary “I wonder if my bum looks big in this” Miller

Superpower: having perfectly shaped feet

Not a lot of people know this, but… I cheated in my mock O-level!!!

Doing Race the Thames because: after doing a LTR course at Wallingford RC aged 52 I fell in love with the sport. Rowing was not available to me as a young person – wrong school, wrong area, etc., so I am passionate about making rowing and lots of other ‘exclusive’ sports accessible to all. LYR are doing a fabulous job doing just that and I am proud to support them in this.

5: Gabby “I wonder if I’ll remember how to row when we get back into crew boats” Miles

Superpower: signing up for club trips. We’ve had some great rows and days/nights out in Brugge, Gdańsk, SUP on the Gower, the World Masters in Budapest, Thames racing, Nat Masters and island rowing in Finland.

Not a lot of people know this… but I love going camping and sitting around a campfire.

Doing Race the Thames because: you make great friends rowing and learn lots of life skills. It is really important to promote these benefits with youngsters who might not think that rowing is for them.

6: Kate “I wonder when the sun is over the yard arm” Hooton

Super power: making jam to a) throw at villains b) spread on the floor to make them slip c) offer to villains with scones and cream so they stop for afternoon tea

Not a lot of people know this but… I really do not like the erg…

Doing Race the Thames because: it would be lovely to row down the Thames like Three men in a Boat and this is the closest I can get to it in lockdown (and to raise money for good causes at the same time!)

7: Liz “I wonder where I put that…? Newman”

Superpower: sheer endurance.

Not a lot of people know this but… I’d really like to give stroke side a go.

Doing Race the Thames because: I’m a passionate supporter of rowing being accessible to as many people as possible .. London Youth Rowing are doing a fantastic job in this field, and in addition to support the MRC charity of the year, SARA , another fantastic organisation.

Stroke: Dawn “I wonder what day it is” Brace

Superpower: can make gin disappear

Not a lot of people know this but… a Russian policeman once tried to arrest me

Doing Race the Thames because: the Wonder Women of Monmouth rise to a challenge and a good cause.

There’s no denying that Race the Thames will be a genuine challenge for us. Between us we’ve spent the last few weeks dealing with injuries, family crises and even a bereavement, so training has been difficult (in some cases impossible). We’ve agreed that if one of us can’t do the race, for whatever reason, we’ll split her miles between us, because that’s what teams do.

So we need all the help we can get. If you can spare a few pennies to help us along, and support two brilliant causes, we’d be EVER so grateful. You can donate here – please give generously! And if you want to hear more about Race the Thames and the brilliant work done by London Youth Rowing, listen to my interview with Andy Triggs Hodge, here.