Pupils at a school in Surbiton are helping veterans at a local care home by taking part in a charity walk.
At least 24 boys from Southborough High School, including those from its Combined Cadet Force programme, will tread the 10km Winter Walk route through London on 24 January to raise money for Royal Star & Garter.
Pupils from the Hook Road school have been regular visitors to Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton since 2024, and raised over £2,800 for the charity in the 2025 Winter Walk.
This year, the pupils will be joined by three members of staff, including Headteacher Niall Smith, and a school governor.
Royal Star & Garter is a charity which provides loving, compassionate care and support to veterans and their families, living with disability or dementia, through its Homes in Solihull, Surbiton, High Wycombe and Worthing. The charity also provides services reaching into the community, including Lunch Clubs, Day Care and a national Telephone Friendship Service.
Years 8 and 9 pupils from Southborough High have been visiting the Surbiton Home since 2024, as they work towards their Young Leaders Award. Royal Star & Garter residents have also been to Southborough High to give talks to Year 7 students.
Southborough High Senior Assistant Head Teacher Dan Edwards said:
“We had great fun taking part in the Winter Walk last year, and we’re looking forward to doing it again in 2026. It’s a pleasure to once again be raising money for our friends at Royal Star & Garter. Our Young Leader students say their visits to the Home is the highlight of their week, and residents there have said how much joy they get from it too. It’s inspiring to see the compassion and mutual respect develop between the young and old.”
Surbiton Home Manager Helena Maher said:
“Residents here really look forward to the visits from Southborough pupils. We love welcoming them into the Home and seeing intergenerational friendships blossom. We’re grateful that they will once again raise money for Royal Star & Garter with their Winter Walk.”
To sponsor Southborough High pupils and teachers, go to: www.justgiving.com/page/young-leaders-charity-ambassadors-4
Anyone interested in fundraising for Royal Star & Garter can go to www.starandgarter.org/how-you-can-help/fundraising/
Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton is welcoming new residents. For more information on this, its other services or to work at the Home, go to www.starandgarter.org/surbiton
