Over the weekend of 12-13th September 2026, around 80 pupils from Hampton School and Lady Eleanor Holles Schools, along with about 30 of their parents, will be rowing from Radley College, near Oxford, to the Millennium Boathouse in Hampton.

During the challenge the crews will row over 80 miles along the Thames, passing through 28 locks, all done over two days. You can expect stories of blisters, aching backs and sore bottoms, and also an absolute commitment to finish the challenge and raise funds for our amazing local charity, Shooting Star Children’s Hospice. Many of the parents have not stepped into (or fallen out of) a rowing boat until this spring.

Shooting Star Children’s Hospice cares for children with life-limiting conditions in Surrey, and south west and north west London. They help make every moment count for these children and their families, whether lives are measured in days, weeks, months or even years. More than 70 per cent of their funding is from kind donations by the public.

To maximise the donations going to Shooting Star, the Hampton and Holles Boat Club Association are covering all the costs associated with running the event.