London couple cycle length of River Thames and film their journey

A London based couple will cycle the length of the River Thames from source to sea, and will make a film of their journey.

Musa Mansour 32, and Julia Ramelow 25, will cycle the River Thames from its source in Gloucestershire to the North Sea in Essex - a journey of nearly 350 kilometres - to raise money for the river clean up charity Thames21.

The couple will document the sights and sounds of their journey along the River Thames, talking to people who work and live on and by the river. The film will be screened at the Mayor'sThames Festival in September 2006.

Mr Mansour, a student filmmaker, and Ms Ramelow, a teacher, are aiming to raise £10,000 towards Thames21's work to clean up littered and neglected rivers and canals.

The Libyan born filmmaker said, 'When I moved to London I was a stranger in a strange place. Discovering the River Thames helped me to fall in love with London. I am fascinated by the river and want to do what I can to keep it clean and let Londoner's know that this wonderful ever changing environment is out there for us all to enjoy.'

Ms Ramelow added, 'Our project is less about the physical challenge of cycling the Thames and more about the understanding, appreciating and protecting a river that has shaped the lives of millions through history.'

The trip will take 5 - 6 days and will begin on Saturday August 19 in Kemble, near Cirencester Gloucestershire and finish at Southend-on-Sea in Essex.

To donate, please go to www.justgiving.com/cyclingthethames

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For press enquiries contact Leigh McAlea on 07875 250 284 / 020 7213 0166

Thames21 is an environmental charity working with communities to improve and maintain London's rivers and canals. Its mission is to create clean, safe and sustainable waterside environments for all. www.thames21.org.uk

Musa Mansour and Julia Ramelow set off on Saturday August 19 with an expected journey time of 5 - 6 days.

They begin their journey in Kemble, Gloucestershire and end in Southend-on-Sea, Essex.