Ten-year-old Hampton resident Ellis Kent has begun an extraordinary challenge with his dad, Matt: walking the entire length of the River Thames, from its source near Kemble in Gloucestershire all the way to the Thames Barrier in London.
The pair set off on 19 August and are aiming to finish at the Thames Barrier on 4 September, covering around 185 miles in 17 days.
The challenge is raising money for Cancer Research UK, with a fundraising target of Β£50,000. Donations can be made via their JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/sourcetoseachallenge
If Ellis completes the full journey, he is aiming to become the youngest person ever to walk the entire route in one continuous journey.
For Ellis and Matt, the challenge is about much more than simply covering the miles. It is a major father-and-son adventure, involving long days on foot, camping, carrying their equipment and learning to cope with whatever the weather and the Thames Path throw at them.
Ellis lives in Hampton and goes to school in Teddington, so the final stages of the challenge will have a particularly special significance. After walking downstream through the Cotswolds, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Surrey, the pair will eventually arrive back in their home borough before continuing east through London towards the finish.
Their route takes them through places including Cricklade, Lechlade, Oxford, Benson, Streatley, Sonning, Hurley, Maidenhead, Runnymede, Shepperton, Teddington and central London before the final push to the Thames Barrier.
Along the way, local businesses, hotels, pubs, campsites and organisations have been helping the pair with accommodation and support, allowing them to concentrate on the walk and the fundraising.
The challenge also has a deeply personal motivation. Ellis and his family have experienced the impact of cancer first-hand, including the loss of his grandmother three years ago, and the walk is being used to raise both funds and awareness for Cancer Research UK.
Despite being only 10, Ellis will be walking an average of around 11 miles a day, with several significantly longer stages along the route.
Matt said the idea was to create a memorable adventure for Ellis while also doing something that could make a meaningful difference.
The pair will be documenting the journey throughout the 17 days, sharing the highs, lows and memorable moments from the Thames Path as they make their way towards London.
Their progress can be followed on Instagram at @family.adventures.uk, with more information about the challenge available at sourcetoseachallenge.co.uk.
Ellis and Matt are due to arrive at the Thames Barrier on Friday 4 September, where they hope to complete their 185-mile Source to Sea journey
