1 week to go...and the fear is here...

That's the last time we let Qin stretch against a tree...

With just one week to go, things are getting a little excited and tense (in fairly equal measure) in the Merander household.

Last minute sessions on the river to refine our technique have gone well (bar the odd oar snapping mishap from Mr Wiseman - apparently his guns are just too big and the blades can't cope with the power...). Hattie & Vix have had their first coxing outings and handled them with deft skill and Tim, Kath & Dom are due in over the next few days.

Running also seems to be going well with strong training from the lads. Unfortuantely I (Garnetto) have had a few shin splinter issues so am on an intensive 3 times a week physio schedule at the moment but making strong progress and confident that it won't hinder me when we finally tackle the Thames Path. With Matt's knee held together by sellotape, Team 2 is shaping up to have the physical sturdiness of your average Darren Anderton season but I am sure we will make it!

Massive thanks to everyone who has already donated thus far - awesome generosity has seen us very nearly up to £3k but still a long way to go to get to the £10k target so if you haven't had the chance yet, please dig deep and sponsor us - 4 great causes that would be hugely appreciative of your hard earned sheckles. CLICK HERE TO DONATE ONLINE

We are also delighted that so many of you are planning to meet us at the London Rowing Club on Sunday 1st from 3pm - there will be a bar and a BBQ which we hope you will make full use of. So bring your shorts and sunnies and see you there.

And we have even had some keen beens (Jon, Tim, Hattie to name a few) who have threatened to run the final legs with us which will be awesome (so long as you promise to be slow and sweaty like we will be...). If you fancy it, please let us know as would be great to see you.

So you know, we will run and row past the club as the finish line is Putney Bridge, so don't worry, we will come back in case you thought we couldn't be arsed to come in and celebrate...

That's everything - please post us any last minute good luck messages by clicking on the messages link below