An all-female lifeboat crew who rowed the River Thames have won a trophy after raising funds for the RNLI.

The 'Girls in the Boat' team from Beaumaris lifeboat station raised nearly £8,000 after taking part in the Great River Race.

The RNLI volunteers - and novice rowers - tackled the challenge by rowing a Celtic longboat from east to west London, covering a marathon distance of 21.6 miles.

They raised nearly £8,000, but after reaching the finishing line, the crew learned they had come out top in the Services Women category.

Crew member Stevie Scanlan said: "Honestly it was unbelievable – we were quite overwhelmed and emotional at the start, I think because of all the support that we’ve had from everybody."

"The race itself was incredible and the atmosphere on the day and all the crowds cheering everyone on, it was so special to be a part of it all."

"We finished the race in 2 hours 43 minutes but we had no idea we’d won our category. It wasn't until the prize-giving after the race, when we were presented with the Tamar Trophy in the 'Services Women' category, which means we were the first female crew to finish from the armed forces, police, ambulance, lifeboat and coastguard."

Stevie added: "The support has been unbelievable. On race day our friends and family were shouting and screaming all the way, we had banners, flags the lot! It really made us feel inspired about what we set out to do and what we’ve achieved."

The six-strong team, backed up by three support crew, set out to raise £7,325 for the RNLI as part of its 200th anniversary celebrations, with every ten pence symbolising each day lifeboat crews have been in action - 73,250 days from the 4th March 1824 to the day of the race *(21st September 2024).

They were also supported by actress and RNLI ambassador Joanna Scanlon, whose sister-in-law Stevie is a crew member.

Team captain Gwen Beeken said: "The money we’ve raised is amazing and we know first-hand what impact it has and how it will save lives."

"But I think I’m most proud of how we’ve come together as a team. We talk about “One Crew” at the RNLI and this has been a true example of it."

"The whole experience of us girls bonding as a rowing team, coming from different RNLI volunteer roles across operations, engagement and fundraising. As well as the wider support from the station, our families, friends and supporters, I’m so proud of us all."

Another team member, Pippa Thomas, added: "We also want to shout out and say a huge “thank you” to the network of support from all the in-land RNLI supporters and fundraisers in the UK, who aren’t directly connected to the coast but show fantastic support to our lifesaving mission."

The Beaumaris team also included Cindy Styles, Eleanor Butler and Clare Tewson - with support from Giovanna Culeddu, Cheryl Owen and Mandi Shipton.

As they celebrated post-race, they also met another RNLI crew from Hayling Island, which is situated just off the Hampshire coast, who were providing safety cover for the event.

Gwen said: "They came over to us to say congratulations and that they were thrilled we were doing it for the RNLI."

"I think that just really sums the RNLI up. It’s a team, it’s one crew, it’s a family – it doesn’t matter where you come from or what you do, you’re all connected in a common mission of working together to make positive impact in your communities and save lives at sea."