Huge congratulations to our staff and parent runners!
Running 26.2 miles in 22-degree heat is no easy feat. With a record number of 56,640 people crossing the finish line, we are incredibly proud of Mr Rew and Mr Taylor for taking on this challenge and being an inspiration to our pupils. Hear from Mr Rew and Mr Taylor below.
Lower Sixth pupil and Head Girl, Suzie F, shares her encounter of being her father’s biggest cheerleader from the sidelines.
I decided to do the London Marathon this year in a bid to do it faster than the previous 3 occasions, the last of which was done sporting a tutu in a charity fundraiser! It was a great experience with amazing crowds, sunny weather, and all was going smoothly until 20 miles, when the heat got the better of me, and I just about got over the finishing line in one piece. Looking back, I am delighted to have finished, beating my previous time in a tutu. I would recommend the marathon to anyone who fancies a challenge, as you really do gain a great sense of achievement in crossing the line and getting that medal. However, do be prepared for some hobbling around the day after!
Mr Rew
Deputy Head (Academic)
Running the London Marathon was an experience of a lifetime, and after 16 weeks of training, I stood on the start line ready for the 26.2 miles ahead. What I wasn’t prepared for, was the overwhelming level of support and encouragement from those who lined the streets of London – it was relentless.
The London Marathon is something that everyone should experience. If you don’t want to participate, you simply must go and support the runners and experience the atmosphere. The event is a shining example of humanity at its best, from the volunteers at aid stations to those raising money for charity, the positivity was infectious and undoubtedly carried me through the final 10km.
I’d like to thank our wonderful school community for the incredible support I’ve received, from donations to my fundraising effort to words of encouragement – I am extremely grateful.
Mr Taylor
Health and Safety Manager
When someone you love is diagnosed with a degenerative illness, the world shifts a bit. Not a sudden crash or huge change, but it shifts your outlook- you realise that no matter how much you think you’re prepared for anything, you aren’t. Life happens, and it’s how you take the three words, ‘Progressive, Degenerative, Incurable’, and carry on stronger than ever. For me, this is about my dad.
In early December of 2023, my family was struck by a bit of a bomb. A healthy, active man in his late (if he doesn’t mind me saying) 40s getting Parkinson’s disease just seemed unfair. Why him, why us? For anyone who may not know or be fully informed, Parkinson’s disease is a condition that affects the brain and causes movement problems such as tremors, stiffness and slowness (along with about another 40 odd not-so-fun symptoms). It is also the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world. Despite this however, it does not get nearly enough funding or as much public attention as other diseases. Being who he is, my dad couldn’t just sit back and do nothing. So, he decided to take action in the most incredible way: by running a marathon.
The intense training and hard work he has put into running the 26.2 mile marathon has been astounding. And his attitude and pride he takes in raising money for Cure Parkinson’s is truly astonishing. Smashing his original goal of raising £2,700, he was quickly picked up by the media as one of the top fundraisers of the marathon this year.
Last Sunday, my family and I cheered from the sidelines on one of the hottest marathon days ever (I felt exhausted and I wasn’t even running!). Despite the conditions, he completed the race in an incredible 4 hours 19 minutes. I am so incredibly proud to be his daughter, and I try to take on some of the optimism and hard work that he shows every step of the way. If you can donate, even a penny, to help beat Parkinson’s, it would mean the world. Thank you.
Suzie F
Lower Sixth, and Head Girl 2025/26
London Mini Marathon 2025
For the second year running, our Junior School ran the Mini London Marathon on Saturday 26 April. Thank you to the brilliant PTA and Junior School team supporting this event.
