Asfordby teacher completes 90-mile fundraising challenge
An Asfordby teacher raised thousands of pounds to support the mental health of children by running three ultra marathons in three days.
Liam Collins, who is deputy headteacher at Captain’s Close Primary School covered a total of 90 miles in visiting all schools in the Discovery Academy Trust.
He started out on the gruelling challenge from Uppingham Community College and finished three days later at Birch Wood Area Special School in Melton Mowbray.
At many of the schools, which included Liam’s Asfordby Captain’s Close Primary School, parents, staff and pupils lined playgrounds and surrounding streets, welcoming him with posters, banners and music and turning each arrival into a celebration of community spirit.
His efforts have raised an impressive £2,600 for the YoungMinds Trust, a children’s mental health charity which also helps to highlight the importance of children’s voices being heard and valued.
Liam told the Melton Times: “The sense of happiness, togetherness and team spirit witnessed across the schools was truly breath-taking.
“Pupils, staff, parents and members of the local community came together in support of the event, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.”
On how difficult it was, he commented: “The toughest part of challenge was on the first day when I ran from Uppingham to Kibworth in snow, wind and rain.
"However it was worth it when I saw the pupils faces and all the effort that pupils, staff and the local community did to welcome me into their school.”
And recalling the finish at Birch Wood School in Melton, he added: "As soon as I approached the school I could hear the noise of encouragement from the pupils and staff.
"The amount of effort thar the school had taken to make banners, bunting and posters was fantastic.
"Then finally to be greeted by staff and the headteacher was wonderful.
"The whole school made me and my team feel so welcome and it was fitting that we had a presentation at the front of the school.”
A spokesperson for Ignite24, a therapeutic sports mentoring service for youngsters and sponsor of Liam’s challenge, commented: “It was incredibly moving to see the excitement on the faces of the staff and children as we arrived at each school.”