Three dedicated members of the teaching staff at Brooke Weston Academy are gearing up to participate in the Shakespeare Marathon and Half Marathon in Stratford-upon-Avon on Sunday, 27th April.

Head of English, Beccy Liquorish, and English teacher, Eleanor Hogan, are set to undertake their first full marathon. Beccy is running to support the Ovarian Cancer Action charity, while Eleanor is raising funds for the mental health charity, Mind. Business Studies teacher, Dave Clarke, will be tackling his first half marathon, aiming to raise money for Prostate Cancer.

Beccy said, ‘At the beginning of the academic year, Eleanor posed the idea that we should run the Shakespeare marathon, having both previously completed half-marathons. We were both a little bit apprehensive, and then decided ‘why not’ … which, on our long runs, we probably now forget! I am fundraising for Ovarian Cancer Action in memory of my aunt, Sandra, who we sadly lost 7 years ago.I train twice a week with Dave (who has been convinced to do the half!) and then do the longer runs at the weekend. My race goal is to finish! Sub 5, hopefully!’

Eleanor said, ‘I will be running to raise money for Mind to help support those who suffer with poor mental health! I’ve lost a family member and friends, so it is a charity close to my heart! I have been training since December and the goal is to FINISH! I am hoping for a time between 4 hours and 4 hours 30, but finishing the race is enough for me!’

Dave said, ‘I’m running for Prostate Cancer UK as it is a charity close to my heart as my grandad died of prostate cancer. I took up running during lock down to keep fit and carried it on. I have only done 5k and 10k races so far, and I’m running on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, come wind, rain or shine in preparation for the half marathon. My goal is to be able to finish without collapsing!’

The BWA community wishes them the best of luck in their fundraising and running endeavour’s.

If you would like to donate, please use this Just Giving link