We’re Dave and Fiona Janowicz, and we’re taking on our biggest running challenge yet — the Southampton Marathon on 3rd May 2026 — to raise money for our children’s wonderful school PTA, The Friends of Orchard Primary.

Running has become a big part of our lives over the past few years. What started out as small 5km runs gradually grew into 10km races and half marathons, and now we’re taking on our very first marathon.

Orchard Primary is a very special place for our family. We currently have two daughters at the school, and our eldest only left last year to start high school, so it has been a huge part of our family life for many years.

The Friends of Orchard Primary School PTA works incredibly hard to raise money that directly benefits the children and helps make school life richer, more exciting and more inspiring.

Thanks to previous fundraising, the school now has wonderful new playground equipment and play areas that the children love using every day. This year, the children and staff have helped choose the focus for fundraising.

As it is the National Year of Reading, we are raising money for the PTA so they can help create an outdoor reading and learning area, provide story sacks, and support improvements to the school library — helping every child develop a lifelong love of reading.

Training for a marathon is tough and there have been plenty of early mornings and long runs, but knowing we are doing this for a school that means so much to our family keeps us motivated.

Dave is also a member of the Pershore Round Table, who have supported the PTA's fundraising in the past. The Round Table are always keen to welcome new volunteers who want to help with community events. They are currently looking for new volunteers if you can spare a few hours every few months!

If you are able to donate, even a small amount will make a real difference. Thank you so much for your support — it really means a lot to us and to all the children at Orchard Primary