In April, I am running the London Marathon in support of the Reed's Foundation charity. Training is well underway, which has been a great challenge alongside school and the club hockey season. I was fortunate enough to run the London Marathon in 2012, but when the chance came up again, I jumped at it. It is an inspiring day and the support from those around the course is incredible. Safe to say that training hasn't been quite as easy or as quick as it was 12 years ago!

As a member of teaching staff and tutor at Reed's, several of the boys I have the privilege of teaching and caring for are Foundation pupils, supported by the charity. These children have faced immense social and emotional challenges, having lost the support of one or both parents but it is with immense admiration that I am able to witness their resilience, self-determination and progress every day. The Reed's Foundation, with over two hundred years of dedication, provides these children with a lifeline, giving them hope to realise their true potential through excellent educational provision, nurturing pastoral support and aspirational activities. Allow me to share anonymized stories of two children who reflect the courage and strength within these children:

Noah* lives with his mum in temporary social housing. For the past three years he has moved multiple times and as a result has attended several different primary schools. Noah’s own mum was subject to abuse and neglect as a child and Noah has had social services intervention and experience of living in a refuge. His primary school (an outreach school) identified he was a quick learner and would benefit from the stability of a boarding environment and access to specialist counselling on offer at Reed’s.

Sarah* lives with her dad, brothers and grandmother and was introduced to the Foundation by her previous school. Sarah’s mother suffered from mental health issues for most of her life and become a recluse eventually not being able to engage in family life. Sadly, Sarah’s mum died of a heart attack which meant that Sarah did not attend school for a while. Sarah will benefit from the comprehensive extra-curricular programme, that Reed’s has to offer, alongside the specialist grief counselling.

My goal is to raise £1500 for the Foundation. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference to these children's lives. Thank you for considering my cause!