Heron Thames

Learn to Row With Breast Cancer

Supporting recovery with the power of rowing, the beauty of the river and the resilience of teamwork

Heron Thames is the UK’s first rowing team made for women recovering from breast cancer. Our core values Health, Exercise, and Recovery guide everything we do. Wherever you are on your recovery and fitness journey, we provide a welcoming space to build strength, boost confidence, and connect with yourself and teammates.

Our Mission

To make the benefits of rowing, the sport we love, more accessible to those recovering from breast cancer.

As a club and charity, we are only at the start of this journey. We work with our members, advocating for women’s health and providing one more route of active recovery.

To us, recovery just means any stage of breast cancer including just after diagnosis or years into recovery.

About Membership

Heron Thames enables women at any stage of breast cancer recovery to reconnect with their strength through rowing on the Thames. Guided by skilled coaches, participants find support and confidence amidst the river’s natural beauty, accompanied by river birds, lush landscapes, and even the occasional seal! Each session offers a chance to build resilience, drawing energy from the Thames and the powerful camaraderie of teammates.

Learn To Row

HERecovery

ON Thames

“When people are learning to row, the cancer sits outside the boat for that period of time, and it’s replaced by something new. Once they’re on the water, they’re blown away by the sum of their strength.”

— Holly Metcalf, founder of Survivor Rowing, MIT Women’s Head Coach and 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist

Our Beginnings

We are a new club founded by a mother and daughter, supported by a small team of trustees and volunteers. We are dedicated to providing a welcoming space for women to find their strength.