Friends Sophie Tomlinson and Ada Harte are taking on the Thames Path Challenge on 14 September to raise money for local charity Ruils.

Sophie Tomlinson and Ada Harte are taking part in the Thames Path Challenge on 14 September (Credit: Sophie Tomlinson)

The Thames Path Challenge is an event organised by Action Challenge Thames Path Challenge - Ultra Challenge which happens every September. 

Ruils has taken part quite a few times and it's been a brilliant fundraiser for the charity. 

The walk starts in Bishop's Park, Fulham which is just by Putney Bridge.  

Walkers can choose their distance. 

The full challenge is 100km which goes overnight and finishes in Henley the following morning. Ruils' Chief Exec Cathy did this a few years ago. 

However, Sophie and Ada are walking the first 28km leg which follows the Thames through Barnes, Kew, Richmond, Ham, Teddington, Kingston and finishes just beyond Hampton Court Palace in Hurst Park. 

Ruils' Fundraising Manager, Carolyn Jones said: "It's a really beautiful walk as you pass the Wetlands Centre, Kew Gardens, Ham House etc and, whilst it's pretty flat, it's a long way so Sophie and Ada have been training through the summer. 

Ruils is a user-led charity supporting disabled children and adults and people with long term health and mental health conditions to live independently, be part of their community and to live life to the full.

It provides information, advice, advocacy, befriending and activities to our clients and their families and delivers a range of holistic, outcome-focused services that remove the barriers to living an independent life.

Last year, Ruils supported 5,500 disabled people, and their families, across the Boroughs of Richmond, Kingston, Wandsworth and Hounslow.

Speaking about raising money for Ruils, Sophie said: "We are training for the Thames Path Challenge to support Ruils, a local charity close to our hearts.

It's not just about the physical challenge, but about raising money for a cause we both believe in—helping people with disabilities live independently."

She continued: "We've both seen firsthand the amazing work Ruils does in our community, and this is our way of giving back.

"Plus, training together has been a great way for us to stay connected as friends and support each other.

"Walking along the river, surrounded by nature, has been a huge boost for our mental health. It's a break from the everyday hustle, giving us time to chat, unwind, and feel re-energized.

"For us, it's not just a walk; it's about supporting an important cause, improving our wellbeing, and doing it together as friends."

Sophie and Ada have been training for the Thames Path Challenge (Credit: Sophie Tomlinson)

Carolyn Jones said: "We're so grateful to Sophie and Ada for taking on this challenge for Ruils. The funds they raise will enable us to help disabled young people to get the support they need at school, at home, and in the community.  

"Last year we supported 958 local disabled young people and their families. For example, we provided advocacy in school meetings and matched trained befrienders with disabled young people to help them to get out and about. 

"We don't receive any government or council funding for this work so rely on donations and supporters like Sophie and Ada."

You can donate to Sophie and Ada's JustGiving page here.