They passed under Putney Bridge to complete their 135 mile journey which had started from Lechlade three days earlier.

It was at that moment of triumph when they fully appreciated the value of the hours of training and fitness preparation put in over the preceding six months.

Hands may have been blistered and joints sore but the sense of achievement in being the first recorded crew to have navigated a racing eight, which is over 55 feet long, over this stretch of river and against a tight timetable overrode any pain they may have been experiencing.

The benefit of bright and dry weather was balanced by breezy conditions and some strong headwinds creating choppy water that made progress that much tougher.

The helpful co-operation of the Thames lock keepers and advice from the two experienced river guides, Brian and Ann Colborne, accompanying the crew in their pilot launch, ensured that the hazards of the journey were minimised.

The result of this success is that the Royal Chester Rowing Club's Youth Charity and the NeuroMuscular Centre at Winsford, together with all the other charities and good causes chosen by the crew, will be benefitting from their share of the total being raised which is expected to reach the £15,000 target.

One of the event's organisers, Nigel Burgess, said: "Overall, the event has proved to be a real success with a dozen veteran rowers proving something to themselves about their stamina and capabilities, and a dozen charities benefitting substantially from their endeavours.

"All the long hours of training in cold, wet and windy conditions on difficult parts of the river Dee proved their worth and paid off when the crew tackled the Thames and the pain of the rowing faded quickly as they crossed the finishing line at Putney."