Call: +44(0)20 7357 7751 Enquire

tlc starlight girl

Team TLC are running the Royal Parks Half Marathon for children’s charity Starlight

Several members of the Thames Luxury Charters team are trading in their deck shoes for running trainers to participate in the prestigious Royal Parks Half Marathon!

The endeavour is not just about swapping the river for land for a day, but rather to raise money for the amazing children’s charity Starlight.

The TLC team members taking part – Richard, Sam, Nick, Rob, Max, Miles and Harry – each bring their own personal connection to the charity, and despite some of them never having run a half marathon before, they are determined to reach the finish line and achieve our fundraising goal of £5,000.

It’s also important to us here at TLC that our efforts extend beyond the race itself – we are committed to continuing to raise funds and spread awareness of the incredible work that Starlight does.

What the amazing Starlight charity does for children

Starlight is a children’s charity that goes above and beyond to help seriously ill children in hospitals rediscover the joy of childhood. Through their Boost Boxes, Distraction Boxes, Events and Experiences, and more, they create opportunities for children to play, laugh, and forget their worries, even in the most challenging times.

The support Starlight provides has never been more critical, offering everything from Isolation Packs to entertain and distract children in hospitals to virtual parties that keep them connected with others.

The power of play cannot be underestimated. It is through play that kids learn, communicate, and explore their identities. Starlight understands this fundamental need and strives to bring joy and happiness to the lives of children battling serious illnesses.

Find out more about Starlight and their incredible work on their website.

The greenest race in the UK

The Royal Parks Half Marathon is London’s original and most iconic half marathon. This renowned race takes participants on a scenic journey through four of the eight Royal Parks: Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James’s Park, and Kensington Gardens.

The greenest race of its kind in the UK, the route features closed roads, allowing runners to soak in the beauty of some of London’s world-famous landmarks as they keep on putting one foot in front of the other.

How you can donate

Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant impact on Starlight’s efforts to brighten the lives of seriously ill children. It will also help motivate the team to keep running, even when they hit the dreaded “wall”!

To donate, please visit TLC’s JustGiving page.

Everyone is also very welcome to come and cheer the team along the route – your encouragement and positive vibes will fuel their determination to reach the finish line.

Together, let’s make a difference for Starlight and help seriously ill children to have the best childhood possible.

Thank you!

tlc starlight boy


Sustainability in the events industry continues to be one of the most talked-about topics when discussing environmental concerns.

Being based on our cherished River Thames, we care deeply about taking care of our environment and actively encourage our staff and crew to do everything they can to minimise their carbon footprint. We would like to take this opportunity to share just a few examples of how we work hard to minimise our impact on the environment as a company.

We've switched to cleaner GTL Fuel across our fleet

In early 2023, we made a leap towards a greener future by transitioning from traditional diesel to the revolutionary Shell GTL Fuel across our entire fleet.

GTL Fuel significantly reduces the presence of harmful emissions, including particulate matter, nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide. Not only is it more environmentally friendly, but using GTL Fuel also offers a more pleasant experience for passengers as it is almost odourless and ensures smoother engine performance.

Changing how our vessels are powered reaffirms our commitment to improving sustainability in the events industry. By moving away from traditional diesel, we are helping to improve air quality along the River Thames. It also enables clients to continue indulging in an unforgettable luxury experience whilst knowing they are sailing aboard vessels that prioritise their wellbeing and the health of the planet.

Reducing the use of plastics

The scourge of single-use plastics has been at the forefront of concerns since it was brought to light in the groundbreaking documentary Blue Planet II, with up to 70% of Britons in favour of banning them altogether. We avoid these wherever possible in favour of glass on board our events and our office staff have been given their own reusable steel water bottles.

Plastic straws have recently been front page news, with companies such as McDonald's ditching them in favour of paper straws. We're pleased to say we have been using them across our fleet for some time already.

Use of public transport

Many of the piers we use throughout London are located close to excellent public transport links, such as rail and underground stations, and even cable car! We encourage charterers and their guests to use these options to help make their journey quicker, easier and in turn reducing their carbon footprint.

And of course our floating venues are able to call at piers as convenient as possible to the travelling group’s location, potentially saving countless separate guest commutes to a static venue.

Sustainably sourced food

Genuine sustainability is ingrained in the ethos of our award-winning caterers FoodbyDish. Where their food is sourced, how it is farmed, reared, harvested, produced and delivered is of paramount importance, and they always aim to source as locally as possible. Meat is only bought from butchers and farms accredited by the RSPCA Freedom Food Initiative. More information about FoodbyDish's commitment to sustainability can be found on their website.

Recycling waste

All waste generated from events on board our vessels is transported to a dedicated waste transfer centre via river. Using tugs and barges on the Thames is far more environmentally friendly than clogging up London's roads with refuse lorries. Once at the waste transfer centre, recyclable materials are extracted and dealt with accordingly.

We also operate a strict recycling policy in our offices.

Maximising onboard efficiency

We are in the process of rolling out the use of low energy LED lighting throughout the inside and outside of all vessels. Last but by no means least, we take great pride in decorating our pier and vessels with trees and plants to improve both the visual settings and air quality!


We are continuously working hard to become even more environmentally friendly and improve sustainability both on and offshore. We will share updates on any major changes in the way we operate, so stay tuned to our website to find out more.

Enquire and receive a bespoke booking proposal