Andrew Stephens, Forensic Scientist at Formedecon and husband of one of the teachers at Hamsterley Primary School, is running the Kielder Marathon to raise money for Hamsterley School playground equipment appeal.

Hamsterley Primary School is a very small rural school in County Durham with 39 pupils aged from 4 to 11. With only three hard working teachers and support staff they obtained an outstanding grade from Ofsted for the school giving their pupils one of the best starts in education they can get. There are no play facilities in the village, so the play equipment on the playing field is really appreciated. Like most others in the country, the school is short of cash and has to fund the essentials for school life.

The school is full of life and colour with the pupils kept fit and healthy with swimming lessons, regular P.E., running a mile each morning and “Wake up shake up” to start the day. During playtimes the playground equipment is given a good workout too. Unfortunately, through many years of hard play and County Durham weather, the climbing frame (or fairytale castle/cowboy fort – whatever your imagination), is showing its age. Parts have become rotten so cannot be used and it is simply in need of being replaced.

Having two boys who were both active at school and doing the odd bit or running myself, I know the importance of kids being active in their play so I want to raise some money to help the school replace its playground equipment and keep the kids active in both body and imagination. To this end I am running the Kielder marathon this October. No, I have not run an organised marathon before; yes, it is scary; no, I am not mad (at least that is what I keep telling myself) and no, I am definitely no spring chicken! So please help Hamsterley Primary School replace its playground equipment and keep their kids active and healthy.