Two junior squash players from Surbiton Racket & Fitness Club are stepping off the courts to lead a community-wide charity recruitment drive this September.

The two elite athletes, Freya, 13, and Evie,10, Hennings, have officially registered for the Steps for Change Children's Challenge 5/10K on Sunday, 20 September.

Swapping their squash gear for running shoes, they will set off along the River Thames route from Kingston Bridge to Hampton Court Palace and back to raise critical funds for Able Child's work to support children with disabilities in Africa.

Both girls are part of the England Squash junior setup, with Freya achieving the prestigious Rising Star award last year, and are well-known faces at the Surbiton club.

Having already pledged to raise £200 each for the cause, they are now throwing down the gauntlet to their peers, club members, and the wider community to sign up, match their fundraising pledge, and join them on the starting line.

"As young athletes, these girls know firsthand how life-changing sporting opportunities and community support can be," said the girls' mum Kate Hennings, who also runs the Summer Squash Camps at Surbiton Racket & Fitness Club.

She added: "When they heard about the work Able Child does to educate, protect and amplify the voices of children with disabilities, they didn't hesitate to step up.

"Now, we want to rally a massive local community squad to run right alongside them."

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As a special incentive, all sign-ups in July using Promo Code SQUASH will be entered into a prize draw to win a place on a summer squash camp this summer as well as 20 per cent off entry fees.

The Steps for Change event is designed to be fully inclusive and for all ages, welcoming power-walkers, runners, teens, toddlers, and those using scooters, buggies or wheelchairs.

Participants can choose between a 5K or a full 10K riverside loop from Kingston Bridge to Hampton Court Palace and back.

The event will kick off with a high-energy dance and bubble warm-up party, and all registered entrants will receive a charity T-shirt and medal along with free snacks along the way.

Freya and Evie are actively encouraging local families, school friends, and sports enthusiasts to sign up. All funds raised will directly support Able Child's mission to ensure that no child with a disability is left behind.

You can join the Surbiton squad on its official registration page here.

And you can sponsor the sisters' challenge here.

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