A determined teacher has crossed one of the world’s toughest finish lines — and turned the spotlight firmly onto the pupils who helped get her there.
Sarah Pappin, from Torquay, completed the 26.2-mile London Marathon in three hours and 49 minutes, raising money for The Children’s Society.
The run took place on Sunday, April 26, with Sarah taking on the challenge to support the charity’s work with children and young people facing issues including mental health difficulties, poverty, exploitation and abuse.
Sarah, who is head of Brunel House at Torquay Academy, said she was motivated by seeing first-hand the pressures young people face.
Pupils at the school backed her efforts throughout, organising bake sales, a Christmas concert and a three-night production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to help raise funds.
By race day, more than £2,700 had been raised.
Reflecting on the achievement, Sarah said: “I am so thrilled to have completed this year’s London Marathon – it feels fantastic. I want to say a big thank you to all the pupils at Torquay Academy for supporting me as well as my family and friends.
“My goal in running the London Marathon was to be an inspiration for our children, showing them firsthand that with commitment and support, anything is possible. So hopefully I have done that.”
Charlie Bartlett, community mobilisation manager at The Children’s Society, added: “Running the London Marathon is a truly amazing accomplishment and Sarah’s inspiring efforts will help to make a real difference to young people’s lives.
“Every pound raised by Sarah and all our marathon runners will help The Children’s Society make a real difference to those facing some of life’s tough challenges.”
