Sixpenny Handley First School headteacher Clare Hewitt and governor Sharon Carter are taking part in the Paris Marathon.
A Dorset headteacher and a school governor are joining forces to run in the Paris Marathon in memory of a much-loved former pupil.
Clare Hewitt, headteacher of Sixpenny Handley First School, and governor Sharon Carter, are taking on the 26 mile race in memory of Emily Brown who lost her brave two-year battle with cancer last year aged just seven.
Money raised from their marathon fundraising efforts will go to the bereavement charity MOSAIC and Bloodwise.
Clare said: “Emilywas a beautiful, bright, vibrant little girl who loved to dance, sing, draw and be with her friends.
“She had a great sense of humour and would often make us smile – she loved to show her original ideas in her work.
“It was very difficult for all her friends at school when she passed away and MOSAIC gave us a lot of support at that time.
“They are still supporting the family and her young brother who attends our school. This is our way of giving something back to them and saying thank you for helping the school community cope with losing Emily.”
The Heath Academy Trust school has already raised money through an after school running club, a French Day ahead of the Paris Marathon and a ‘guess the time’ competition for pupils to say how long it will take Clare and Sharon to complete the marathon.
Clare and Sharon will also be joining Emily’s family to compete in Blenheim Palace Triathlon in June.
The pair, both regular half marathon runners, have been training since December for the marathon, which is held on April 14, and have been able to complete 23 miles so far.
CEO of Heath Academy Trust, Justine Horn, said: “I know these fundraising efforts led by Clare and Sharon mean so much to the whole Sixpenny Handley community.
“It is a wonderful way to commemorate Emily Brown’s memory and to raise funds for two very special charities.”
The team raising money in memory of Emily has set themselves a target to raise £15,000. Anyone who would like to sponsor them can do so by going to https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/EmilyAvellana
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