Deep Dive into Friends of the Thames and the woman behind them
Photo Alex Robertson
Friends of the Thames is a conservation and campaigning group dedicated to protecting and celebrating the River Thames. Now a Registered Charity, they aim to shift public perception and human interaction with the river by fostering a deeper connection and respect for her ecological and cultural significance.
The woman behind the charity is Laura Reineke and we were interested to find out a little more about what drove her to launch Friends of the Thames.
“I was born and raised in Henley-on-Thames, and the River Thames has always been a central part of my life. It’s more than just a beautiful backdrop—it’s a place I swim, breathe, think, and feel grounded. I have a deep connection to the water, and that connection has shaped so much of who I am.
After studying violin at music college in London, I came back to Henley to give something back to the community. I founded Henley Music School (HMS), a charity that offers accessible music education to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. More recently, I launched the Henley Community Hub—a project to restore a beautiful 1908 building as a safe, inclusive space for the community, a safe space for young people and a permanent home for HMS.
But music is just one part of what drives me. I’m also a passionate campaigner for our rivers. I co-founded Friends of the Thames (FoTT) and founded the Henley Mermaids, a group of like-minded women using swimming as a way to raise awareness and funds for clean, safe water. The Thames has given me so much—peace, strength, perspective—and I feel a responsibility to protect it.
I started open water swimming eight years ago while recovering from a back injury and being diagnosed with fibromyalgia. What began as gentle breaststroke became a deep passion for long-distance swims. There’s nothing quite like the vibrant energy of the river in summer, filled with wildlife and warmth—or the quiet, icy magic of a mist-covered winter morning.
Since then, I’ve swum the English Channel and around Manhattan Island. I’m currently training for the 21-mile Catalina Channel swim in California. If I make it, I’ll earn the Triple Crown of open water swimming—becoming just the seventh woman over 50 to do so.
But I’m aiming even higher. I’ve set my sights on the Oceans Seven—the toughest seven channel swims in the world. And if I complete them, I’ll become the first British woman ever to do it.
This journey isn’t just about personal challenge. It’s about using my voice and my swims to protect what I love. The Thames, and rivers everywhere, are under threat. I’m swimming to make sure they’re still here for future generations—to swim in, to connect with, to heal in.
Every stroke I take is for change”
Through community engagement, educational initiatives, and advocacy, Friends of the Thames seek to inspire a sense of shared responsibility for her health. By encouraging people to view the Thames not just as a physical resource or a backdrop to urban life, but as a living entity deserving of care, they hope to nurture a more sustainable relationship between humans and the river. Their efforts are focused on demonstrating the importance of preserving the river's biodiversity, mitigating pollution, and promoting sustainable practices for the communities along its banks.
Friends of the Thames is bringing together diverse communities from all walks of life by harnessing a variety of creative, scientific, and recreational approaches to engage with the river. By celebrating the many ways people interact with the Thames—whether through art, photography, scientific research, or sport—they are busy creating a rich tapestry of experiences that reflect the river's multifaceted importance. This inclusive approach helps to reach people who might otherwise feel disconnected from environmental issues, making the river's preservation relatable and accessible to all. Art and photography highlight the river's beauty, while sports and outdoor activities promote physical connection, and science emphasises the need for ecological care. Through these diverse avenues we are encouraging everyone, regardless of age, background or means, to become stewards of the river and advocates for its future. Beginning the journey with their Rights of the River, their eventual aim is to award the Thames a personhood in law, promoting a future where the environment is legally recognised and safeguarded in the same way human rights are.
Come and meet Friends of the Thames at the UK River Summit!
👉 Learn more and get your ticket at www.theriversummit.com