 A MAN whose father drowned in Shiplake Lock has rowed the Thames for charity.
Peter Gough was lock-keeper when he slipped and drowned in 1982. His body was not found for six weeks.
Now his son, Stephen, 61, from Canterbury, has rowed with nine friends to raise money for Odyssey, a charity which helps cancer patients through outdoor activities.
The crew moored at The Thamesfield nursing home on Saturday, where Mr Gough met his mother, Joyce, who had come from her home in Reading to meet the crew. The home supplied everybody with coffee and cakes. The father-of-two, a former Gillotts School pupil who played for Henley Rugby Club, said: “There have been some real mixed emotions on this trip. Of course there has been great sadness as we passed through Shiplake. I still miss my father dreadfully.
“It was a very sad time. Because they didn’t find his body for a while, we all hoped we would see him walk in through the front door.
“On the other hand, I have felt great joy to be back. I am so proud that I had the chance to grow up in such a wonderful part of the world. It was a very special time when my brothers and I were growing up. It is a unique stretch of river and has barely changed in all the time I have been away.”
He added: “I have met many lock-keepers who knew my father and they chatted away as if we were friends. It’s lovely to know my father is remembered so fondly.”
The crew rowed the 140 miles from Lechlade to London in four days, arriving in Richmond on Sunday afternoon. They travelled in the Lady Mayoress, a hand-built shallop, a replica of an 18th century Thames craft.
Mr Gough, who rowed at the royal regatta for Henley Rowing Club, said Odyssey was “a very special charity”. “It does some amazing work for people,” he said. “I have already rowed across the Channel to raise money for it. It would be great to get as many donations as possible.”
To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/stephengough
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Published on 06 July 2009
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