RAIN might have visited Monmouth on this year’s raft race, but this didn’t ruin the community spirit, as one participant said, “there’s no particular theme except float and get to the end.”

The event commenced at around 12pm on Sunday September 7, rafts took to the water with many themes including: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Vikings and Romans.

The event was organised by Monmouth Rotary and participants had to race six miles down to Whitebrook, starting at Monmouth Rowing Club.

“We have been doing the raft race for the past 19 years, in memory of Merv Henson who was looked after by St Davids Foundation when he was terminally ill so this is our bit of giving back to them for the wonderful work they do, said a spokesperson from the Henson’s Heroes.

“This year’s raft is Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, previous rafts have been Titanic, Space shuttle, London Bus, Noah's Ark, Alice in Wonderland Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

“We have absolutely loved doing this race and we are going to have a great day, it doesn’t matter that it’s raining, we love it don’t we team.”

The damp, raining conditions didn’t put off some spectators, people watched under umbrellas with their family and friends as the race commenced for yet another year and it was a great opportunity to see if your raft was seaworthy or if it would sink to the riverbed.

This activity brought together teamwork and resilience, building the raft and supporting charity. All the sponsorship funds raised through Monmouth Raft Race will benefit St David’s Hospice Care 80 percent, Monmouth Rotary club 10 percent, who are a community group in Monmouth, supporting the local community and Severn Area Rescue Association 10 percent they are an independent volunteer led charity providing lifeboat and inland searches and rescue services across the River Severn and the surrounding areas.

St David’s Hospice Care is a Gwent- based charity which provide free, at-home care for those facing life-limiting illnesses.

They offer care and support to help people live and have the best quality of life possible, the services are delivered either to the patient's home or at the hospice.

They believe everyone should have quality and compassionate end-of-life care when and where they need it.

“We are here today with two rafts, vikings and romans; this is the second year we have entered, said a spokesperson from Fox’s and Burtons Biscuits in Cwmbran.

“We are super supportive of our local charities particularly St David’s Hospice and we absolutely love getting the team out even in this weather to have great fun and support our local community.”

“We put the raft together on Wednesday afternoon, there’s no particular theme except float and get to the end,” said a spokesperson from GB-Sol.

The raft race brought together a fantastic community atmosphere but unfortunately for regular raft race attendees, Henson’s Heroes crashed into the rocks below the waterline just below the railway bridge and several crew members were helped to shore by rescuers on safety ropes.