Hampton & LEH Pupils Row 80 Miles of Thames for Charity

Local school crews take on 80-mile Thames row for hospice

The Thames between Hampton and Lady Eleanor Holles will see a familiar sight this September, though at a rather different pace. Nearly 100 pupils from both schools will row the full 80-mile stretch over two days, turning their daily river training ground into a sponsored endurance challenge for Shooting Star Children’s Hospices.

The challenge on 12 and 13 September will test stamina and coordination as crews work in rotation alongside a dedicated parents’ team.

Two schools, one river, 80 miles

The sponsored row brings together crews from Hampton School and Lady Eleanor Holles School for a weekend that will stretch well beyond their usual training distances.

Over the course of 12 and 13 September, teams will rotate through boats in shifts, covering the 80-mile course while keeping momentum going throughout both days. The parents’ crew adds an extra layer of community involvement, with adults taking turns on the water alongside the pupils. The logistics alone require careful coordination: rest periods, crew changeovers, and support boats shadowing the route to ensure safety and supply refreshments. Both schools have strong rowing traditions on this stretch of the Thames, making the challenge a natural extension of their regular presence on the water.

If you walk the towpath that weekend, you will likely see far more blades in the water than usual.

Raising funds for Shooting Star

All funds raised will go to Shooting Star Children's Hospices, which provides care for young people with life-limiting conditions across Surrey and west London.

The hospice operates from two sites, including one in Hampton, making it a particularly local cause for both school communities. Pupils are seeking sponsorship from families, local businesses, and supporters who appreciate the physical demand of the challenge. The two-day format means sustained effort rather than a short burst, requiring genuine endurance from teenagers more accustomed to sprint races or timed pieces. Shooting Star supports families through nursing care, symptom management, and respite services, with much of its funding coming from community fundraising rather than statutory sources.

Sponsoring an 80-mile row is one way to back care that happens just a few miles from where the boats will launch.

What this means for you

If you walk or cycle the Thames towpath between Hampton and upstream on 12 or 13 September, expect to see convoys of rowing crews and support boats throughout the weekend. The route may feel busier than usual, particularly at launch points and popular stretches. If you would like to support the challenge, contact either school directly for sponsorship details or watch for collection points closer to the date. And if you are out with children who row or are curious about the sport, it is a good opportunity to watch sustained teamwork on the water rather than the brief flashes of a race.

A two-day row covering 80 miles is no small undertaking, even for experienced young crews. The challenge offers a practical way to support hospice care while giving local pupils a genuine test of stamina and coordination on the river they train on year-round.

Frequently asked questions

When exactly will the sponsored row take place?

The challenge runs across the weekend of 12 and 13 September 2026, with crews rotating throughout both days to cover the full 80-mile distance.

Which part of the Thames will the crews be rowing?

The 80-mile route will follow the River Thames, launching from the Hampton area where both schools are based. Expect to see activity along the towpath throughout the weekend, particularly near familiar rowing club sites.

How can I sponsor the pupils taking part?

Contact Hampton School or Lady Eleanor Holles School directly for sponsorship details. Both schools will provide information closer to the event about how to contribute to the Shooting Star Children’s Hospices fundraising effort.

Will the towpath be busier than usual during the row?

Yes. You can expect more rowing activity, support boats, and crew changeovers along the towpath throughout 12 and 13 September. The route will still be accessible to walkers and cyclists, but it will feel noticeably busier at launch points and popular stretches.