The Great GOSH Row, in partnership with global fundraising platform GivenGain, will see teams of eight rowing 16 miles from Poplar, Blackwall and District Rowing Club to Chiswick on Thursday 17 July, all in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity).

Each team is aiming to raise £3,000 to help build a world-leading new Children’s Cancer Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH)  The centre will help drive transformation in children's cancer care and save more lives, with new inpatient wards, critical care units and a cancer day care centre amongst the new facilities.

For many rowers, the event is deeply personal. Julia, one of this year’s participants, is taking on the challenge with seven of her colleagues to honour her youngest son, Phoenix, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour at just 14 months old. Since then, GOSH has been a critical part of their journey.

“As soon as Phoenix was diagnosed, we were referred to GOSH. The care we’ve received has been incredible,” said Julia. “The medical teams are not only experts, but they are also kind and compassionate. They’ve treated Phoenix like their own and made a terrifying time a little more bearable.”

Julia and her team launched their fundraising page through GivenGain and surpassed their £3,000 goal within the first 12 hours. Donations continue to pour in, fuelled by love, gratitude, and a fierce determination to help other children facing similar diagnoses.

“I’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of friends, family and colleagues. Their support means everything,” said Julia. “Fundraising is the easiest thing I can do for my son. I’d go to the moon for him if I had to. GOSH gives children like Phoenix a future, and that’s something worth fighting for.”

GivenGain, the official fundraising platform for the event, helps turn events into engines of impact by connecting charities, fundraisers, and donors within one global platform.

“Events like the Great GOSH Row show how individual passion, teamwork, and community support can make a real impact.” said Will Irwin, EMEA Sales & Service Lead at GivenGain. 

Gabi Field, Deputy Director of Public Fundraising at GOSH Charity, said: “On behalf of everyone at GOSH Charity, I want to say a heartfelt thank you and good luck to Julia and all the incredible teams taking part in the Great GOSH Row. 

“The vital funds they raise will help us build a world-leading Children's Cancer Centre so we can improve the odds for children with cancer once and for all."

The Great GOSH Row is a collective effort to make a real and lasting difference for children living with cancer. Every team, every fundraiser, and every donation are part of a shared mission to improve treatment and support families. 

Support their effort at https://www.givengain.com/campaign/the-great-gosh-row-2025