David Lloyd Leisure (DLL) persuaded Sir Steve Redgrave to get back in a boat for the finale of its National Flag Relay last month.

The relay, which started in Dublin on 5 May, has seen a symbolic flag pass around all 55 DLL clubs in the UK and Ireland, without using motorised transport, to raise money for the Sir Steve Redgrave Charitable Trust.

For the final leg, Sir Steve and a number of DLL staff and fundraisers rowed the flag down the Thames from Millbank Pier to County Hall, where Sir Steve handed it to DLL’s managing director, Stewart Miller.

“We have raised well into six figures, all of which will go back into the local community where it was raised,” said Miller.

Each stage of the flag’s journey has involved a different challenge, from abseiling and trolley dashes to wheelbarrow pushing and space hopping.

“Some of the stories from this relay will stay in people’s memories for a long time,” said Sir Steve. “Because all the money is for local causes, people can see where it’s going, so there’s been huge amounts of motivation.”

As a grand finale and to complete the fundraising, 60 DLL staff took part in a two-day London and Paris Triathlon.