News 20th April 2026
London Marathon
Ian Bartle, Executive Head of our primary schools in Sherborne and the surrounding villages, will be running the London Marathon this coming weekend.
After months of dedicated training, Ian has recently been joined by pupils from seven of our primary schools. Together, they have taken on an impressive challenge—running 26 laps of their school fields alongside him, mirroring the marathon distance in their own way.
Reflecting on the experience, Ian said “All of the children who have taken part so far have been incredible. Even our four-year-olds have completed 26 laps—nearly 1.5 miles—around their school courses! It has also become a real community event, with children encouraging one another to keep going, just like in the real marathon… hopefully! Most importantly, they’ve learned the value of giving, how fitness can improve both physical and mental health, and that long-distance running requires resilience and determination.”
Ian is running to raise funds for three meaningful charities:
- Children with Cancer UK – A national charity supporting children and families affected by cancer. Sadly, several local children have been impacted by this disease, and funding life-saving research is a key motivation for Ian.
- Team Torri – A small, local charity that supports families navigating a child’s cancer diagnosis. It was founded in memory of a teenager who tragically passed away, and has already helped one of our SAST children.
- Let’s Help Our Primary School Children Charities – A local initiative supporting disadvantaged children and families, including projects such as the Christmas Box Project (providing food and gift vouchers). The charity has also expanded to offer grants to primary schools in the Sherborne area. You can find out more at https://lhops.co.uk/
If you would like to support Ian and these important causes, please visit his GoFundMe page: Fundraiser by Ian Bartle : Children with Cancer & Team Torri & Local School Children
Also running the marathon are, Maia Beswarick-Cobb and Jonny Hayes, from King Arthur’s School!
Maia is running in memory of her friend Dan, and fundraising for The Samaritans – you can support Maia here: Samaritans: 2026 TCS London Marathon Registrations – Charity Place
Jonny is running in memory of him Mum, and fundraising for Asthma + Lung UK. Find out more and support Jonny here: Jonny Hayes is fundraising for Asthma + Lung UK
Good luck to all our staff running the London Marathon this weekend – what a phenomenal effort!
