A man who lives in Roehampton is taking part in a River Thames kayaking challenge to raise money for charity.

Roehampton based Pat Halon, 55, and Dave Clark, 53, who resides in Fulham, will be taking to the river to raise money for Shooting Star Chase, a children's hospice charity caring for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions.

The pair will be kayaking the non-tidal length of the River Thames, which is around 135 miles in total.

The route along the river will begin at Cricklade in Gloucestershire on Sunday, June 17, taking them through 45 locks to the finish line in Teddington on Sunday, June 24.

They will spend six nights kayaking and camping on the river banks, taking all of their gear including clothes and food with them.

Pat, a tube driver, said: “We know it’s not going to be easy, but we are both very determined chaps and as it’s for such a great cause we’ll just keep on rowing!”

So far, the pair who have been friends for more than 30 years, have raised £2,200 of their £3,000 target for the charity.

This isn’t the first time the keen ex-rugby players have completed physically demanding challenges, after successfully completing the National Three Peaks Challenge two years ago.

Pat said: “I mentioned to my nephew about the Three Peaks Challenge and I was looking for something to test myself after I’d stopped playing rugby so thought this would be perfect, however a week before the climb my nephew has to pull out due to his studies. So I called Dave to see if he fancied it and he said yes despite having no training whatsoever!”

In 2017, they accomplished an 84 mile coast to coast walk following the World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall, past Roman settlements and forts.

The training for the rowing has included practice rowing on the River Thames as well as dry runs, where they completed 25 miles in just one day.

Karen Peffer, challenge events fundraiser at Shooting Star Chase, said: “We are so amazed by Pat and Dave’s dedication to fundraising for Shooting Star Chase and taking on this epic challenge!

"Their courage and determination to complete such a feat over the coming week will help so many families who are struggling with a diagnosis of a life-limiting condition and need our support. They really are an oarsome pair!”

To donate to Pat and Dave’s JustGiving page, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-clark65.