Inspirational teachers smash half marathon fundraising target in aid of Marie Curie.

Two members of staff at the Hyndburn Academy have ignited the fundraising flame within their school community as they prepare to run the Manchester Half Marathon, which is due to take place on the 10th October.  

Staff and students have been bursting with pride as English and Performing Arts Teacher Lewis Ware, and Exams Officer Rebecca Taylor smash their original fundraising target in just one week.  

The Hyndburn Academy in Rishton has a ‘House’ system, based on four inspirational individuals from world history, in which all students are staff are placed. These houses include figures such as Mary Jackson, Alan Turing, Nelson Mandela and – of course – Marie Curie.  

Mr Ware and Mrs Taylor, members of Curie House, are leading by example with their latest fundraising endeavor. Their commitment to training for the half marathon has reminded students of the school’s core values and has inspired them to be dedicated, engaged and positive members of their local community. This is all part of The Hyndburn Academy’s wider commitment to providing an Education with Character. 

Lewis Ware said of their fundraising efforts: 

“I have been a keen runner for around six years but wanted to push myself to run further before I got into teaching. I’ve raced two half marathons in the past and the buzz when you finish the race is incredibly addictive.  

“I always spoke to my Form group last year about how important exercise is, not just for the body, but for the mind too, and not only is this process – training for the race and fundraising for an amazing charity like Marie Curie – helping us stay fit and healthy but, fundamentally, it is helping fund for hours of nursing care and support for those who need it the most.  

“Thank you to everyone who has supported us, it is unbelievable that we reached our target in such a short space of time.” 

Rebecca Taylor added: 

“My love for running started during lockdown – working from home and home-schooling a young child meant the days were long and challenging. I started running as a way to take some me time and to clear my mind, it really helped me keep positive in such a difficult time.  

“I had never run long distances before and originally my aim was to run 5k, so I cannot believe I am now running a half marathon. It just goes to show when you put your mind to something you can achieve and even exceed your goals.” 

Nicola Palmer, Headteacher at The Hyndburn Academy, said: 

“We are delighted that Mr Ware and Mrs Taylor have not only reached but surpassed their fundraising target for the Manchester Half Marathon. As members of The Hyndburn Academy’s Curie House, Mr Ware and Mrs Taylor have set a fantastic example of both teamwork and sportsmanship in banding together to support such an important cause. 

“Seeing our students gather additional support for Macmillan cancer research at their cake sale has also left us with a great sense of pride. Following such a tumultuous and difficult year, it’s wonderful to see members of Hyndburn’s community so committed to helping others.  

“At The Hyndburn Academy we are dedicated to creating independent, well-rounded and resilient leaders. This has indeed been reflected in both staff and students’ enthusiastic commitment to making the world a better place.” 

Additionally, Marie Curie is not the only charity that the academy has been supporting this month. The school also hosted a Macmillan Coffee Morning last week, alongside a student-run cake sale, to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Research.