Why on earth would someone attempt to do such a silly thing?

Well, this is a simple act to try and raise awareness of the impact of Coronavirus on children’s mental health. Throughout my whole life I have used running as a positive method to maintain a positive state of mental health. On Saturday 16th May I hope that I will be able use this simple act that it so important to me, to help others.

I am lucky to have some great colleagues, Ruth and Trista - Heads of House at our school, who will join me me in walking around the lake for the full 12 hours.

What is the aim?

We will be using the challenge to raise funds for mental health initiatives at our school - firstly we will aim to raise £1800 to train two therapy dogs!

As safeguarding lead I know that many children have been significantly affected by the current crisis. We are planning to expand the support we provide to include trained therapy dogs along with improving the physical spaces we have for pupils to receive mental health support.

We would also like to use the challenge to inspire our community to look at how they can use running to help improve their state of wellbeing. The PE department have done a fantastic job in inspiring people to engage in the Work Out of The Day and I hope to support them with this challenge.

The Challenge?

To complete the 1.55 mile loop around the lake and up the notorious Gatton Killer Hill as many times as we can in 12 hours.

I hope to run further than the equivalent of two marathons with a target of 72 miles. This would be enough to run from the school to Brighton and back again!

If I manage this the number of times that I will climb Gatton Killer Hill would be enough to climb up England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, TWICE.

Many of my friends, colleague and pupils know that I am a keen runner and run 6 days a week. However, even with my high level of running, I still only run for just over 12 hours a MONTH. So I will be tackling my monthly quota in one single day

To make the challenge more interesting if I hit my target of 72 miles the Headmaster will have to complete a forfeit - we are currently in negotiations!

The competition - Run with Joe

We want people to get involved at home and take on their own challenge in conjunction with the PE departments WOTD. More information about pupils and their families will be shared.