My name is David Cregan and I am the Virtual Headteacher for the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. My role is to advocate for, and oversee the education of, all children born in Tower Hamlets who – through no fault of their own – find themselves placed away from their parents, in the care system (Looked After Children). This is often due to neglect or abuse, meaning that these young people are very vulnerable and in need of additional support to achieve their full potential and grow into successful members of our community.

It is important for these children to be provided with the same opportunities as children living with their parents and this is where the Virtual School comes in. Since taking up post in 2016, I have set up Summer School activity holidays for the children to spend time with other Looked After Children, enjoying a week away from London and their Carers, learning key social skills and taking part in dance, drama and sporting activities in a safe and fun environment. The Virtual School also runs the “Give it a Go” Saturday program in conjunction with the West Ham Foundation, allowing our children to spend time with their peers, participating in extra-curricular activities.

Unfortunately, all of these wonderful opportunities cost money, which is not provided for by the Government. Therefore, to ensure the security of our programs and to continue providing these wonderful and essential opportunities for the children of Tower Hamlets, I have begun fundraising for this vital cause. As part of my fundraising drive, this Easter I will be taking part in the Marathon Des Sables. This race is recognised as the toughest race on Earth, comprising 250km (the equivalent of 5.5 Marathons) run over seven days across the Sahara Desert... chased by a camel! It is a completely self-sufficient race – all food and equipment needed must be carried for the duration of the race. This is a big undertaking and a prestigious event: there are fewer than 500 runners from the U.K taking part. It will be at a personal cost of £5000+ and by doing so, I aim to raise £20,000 to support the vital work of the Virtual School.

A big thank you those who have already fundraised for us:

Runhead.ac, Greenwich Titons, Chasing Lights, London City AC, Park Run Hilly Fields, Rundemcrew and all the runners who filled places in the Big Half Marathon.

The Marathon Des Sables is recognised as the toughest race on Earth comprising 250K – the equivalent of 5 Marathons run over 7 days across the Sahara Desert… chased by a camel! 

The Marathon Des Sables takes place in Morocco from the 6th-16th April 2018. 

Watch this link for more info on the Marathon Des Sables: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwQKGt10DCA

Track me during the race: https://mds.waa-tracking.com/waatracking/en-US/mds/MDS2018/Live/Index

Runner number 379

Thank you!