On Sunday 6th June 2021, a group of staff from SJF will be completing (we hope) the Coniston Fell Marathon.

We gain inspiration in our lives from others, individuals and groups, whether close to us or strangers but the impact can be profound, life changing and soul defining. Amelia has shown the true meaning of being strong, positive and resilient. 12 months with a deteriorating heart condition, culminating in a heart transplant in Dec 2020 at the Freeman's hospital, where her family went through unimaginable emotions, continuously supported by the incredible charity CHUF.

As individuals, as a school community and for anyone that knows the family, the least we can do is try raise some money and awareness to support CHUF to continue to support so many similar families and children.

Life is a race! Our aim is to complete 26.2 miles each, 4000ft  elevation in some insignificant way to replicate Amelia's journey, ups and downs an undulating route which we will attempt to finish and see Amelia smiling at the finish line. We hope to complete it with constant smiles on our faces and appreciating every step and breath we are able to take, head held high and looking to the future as we enjoy the present.

A word from Amelia:

"CHUF have supported my family and I over the few months I was in hospital, while awaiting my transplant, and after receiving my heart. I won't lie and say that the journey has been an easy one..... it hasn't, but without the support of CHUF I don't know how my family and I would have made it through this process.

CHUF supports families in all kinds of ways, in our case with car park passes, which as you can imagine when your hospitalised for four months the bills add up. During the Christmas period (which no family wants to be in hospital for) they try to make it as much of a magical experience as they can.

The Staff on PICU are guardian angels and provide support for both children and their families. CHUF recognise this by supporting them in the best way they can. Recently the staff fridge broke down beyond repair, and CHUF funded a new fridge freezer for staff. In all CHUF support all parties in the treatment of the children and I would really appreciate it if you can give what you can to this amazing charity."

Meet the team short bio and form on the runners:

Mr Brennan- DT teacher ‘Joker’ of the pack, did PE at school…….no running background. But keen. Never run a Fell marathon.

Mr Pass- PE teacher ‘Solid‘, likes to lead from the front, solid, consistent runner. Previously run at a club. Never run a Fell marathon.

Mrs Riley- Teaching Assistant ‘Mum of the team’, done some road running. Does not stop going! Never run a Fell marathon.

Mr Owen- DT teacher ‘the Welsh member’, all the gear……… once completed a 5k park run, never done a marathon, let alone Fell!

Mr Rhodes- Science teacher ‘Mr witty’, a very good cyclist! First time out running. Never run a ½ marathon let alone a Fell marathon.

Mr Davis- Geography teacher ‘Our seasoned professional’, everyone turns to for advice. Previous GB fell competition winner! 

Mr Bulcock- Science teacher ‘team support’, will do anything for anyone, driven to run, good running background, never done a marathon, let alone a fell marathon.

Mr Nightingale- PE teacher ‘optimistic’, no mountain too big. Preferred Rugby but now turned to running, some distance events experience, never run a fell marathon.

CHUF's mission is to make life better for children and young people who are born with or who develop heart conditions by providing lifelong support to them and their families. CHUF supports children and families who receive treatment at the Children’s Heart Unit based at the Freeman Hospital and the many other hospitals providing care for cardiac patients throughout the North of England.