Southborough sixth formers and staff complete sponsored walk for The Children’s Trust

When Southborough sixth former Rio Crocker sustained a serious head injury in a freak accident in the Spring of 2023, his family and friends knew that he had a long and arduous journey ahead of him.

After receiving first class preliminary care from the NHS, it was The Children’s Trust, Tadworth that then provided the wonderful care and specialist treatment that Rio needed to help him on his road to recovery.

The Children’s Trust is the UK’s leading charity for children with acquired brain injury. They deliver rehabilitation, education and community services through their highly skilled teams who work with children and young people, and their families.

Fast-forward to November 2025 and Rio has made fantastic progress in his road to recovery. Whilst Rio still has a long way to go, we are all thrilled that he is back at Southborough completing his A levels.

A couple of weeks ago, Southborough sixth form students and staff took part in - for the third year running – a Sponsored Walk to raise much needed funds for the wonderful charity organisation that helped Rio so very much.  Over 30 sixth formers and Southborough staff –led by Headteacher Mr Niall Smith - set off early from the school, based in Surbiton, and walked the ten miles to The Children’s Trust, Tadworth. A Just Giving page was set up for Southborough parents, carers and staff to sponsor the walk and make donations.

Luckily the weather stayed clear and bright and the group arrived around lunchtime to a very warm welcome from staff at The Children’s Trust rehabilitation centre in Tadworth. The icing on the cake was that Rio was able to walk the last part of the journey with all his friends.

On behalf of Southborough High School, we wish to thank The Children’s Trust for all the amazing work that it did for our friend Rio –and for the many thousands of other children and teenagers with acquired brain injury that they have supported over the years.

Thank you to Headteacher Mr Smith, Ms Geering and Mr Iles for leading this worthwhile event - and to the wonderful sixth formers who took part. Last but not least, we’d like to say a HUGE thank you to all who generously donated, raising over £1,400 to date!