GLOUCESTERSHIRE rower Peter Reed has thanked county shoppers

for a giant card packed with good luck message.

The card was sent to Peter, a member of the coxless four

boat representing Team BG at the Beijing Olympic Games, from

The Mall shopping centre in Gloucester.

Peter is one of a team of eight athletes from across Great

Britain who is being supported by The Mall in their hopes of

winning a gold medal.

Team Mall includes athletes from across a range of

disciplines, experiences and age groups.

The Nailsworth rower - an officer in the Royal Navy - said:

“I want to say a huge thank you to the staff and customers of

The Mall.

“Two days ago I received a giant card filled with inspiring,

funny and touching messages for all of the athletes in Team

Mall.

“I can't speak for everyone, but reading through every

message was a very special point in my final preparations. It

fills me with massive determination to know that you are all

out there backing us to do well.

“The card was a very thoughtful idea and I will make sure I

take your kind words with me along the way – especially when

times are tough.”

Neil Draper, general manager of Eastgate Street centre,

added: “We'll be following Team Mall's progress closely over

the coming weeks and wish them the very best of luck.

“We are delighted that so many of our shoppers have pledged

their support to Team Mall and we'd like to invite everyone to

come into the Mall to see hundreds of their good luck messages

on display.”

Shoppers will be able to track the team's progress by

visiting themall.co.uk.