Congratulations to our three members of teaching staff who successfully completed the Shakespeare Marathon and Half Marathon, collectively raising over £2000 for their chosen charities! Their determination and spirit have truly inspired us all.

Head of English, Miss Liquorish, took on the challenge of running the full marathon, achieving a commendable time of 4 hours and 37 minutes. Reflecting on the challenges and highlights of her run, she said, ‘I was really pleased with my finishing time. The weather itself was both a help and a hindrance – it was lovely to see Stratford sparkle in the sunshine, but running 26 miles on the hottest day so far was intense. I was so lucky to have friends and family dotted around the course with welcoming sweaty hugs and being there when the going got tough and without them, I definitely wouldn’t have managed a sub-5 hour time!

‘I can’t believe I’ve managed to raise over £1000 for Ovarian Cancer Action – I’m blown away by everyone’s generosity, and I’m so grateful to every member of the school community who checked in with us on Friday pre-race and those who have so generously donated. Will I do it again? Well, I religiously enter the London Marathon ballot … but so far, no luck. So who knows!’

English teacher Miss Hogan also took on the challenge of running the full marathon to support Mind, a charity close to her heart. She said, ‘I absolutely LOVED running the ‘Shakespeare Marathon. I smiled the whole way round and was so proud of myself! I was aiming for sub 4 hours 30 minutes and ended up finishing at 4 hours 12 minutes! I’m so incredibly happy with my time. The atmosphere was amazing, it made me so emotional when I crossed the finish line. I would 100% run another marathon in the future!’

Deputy Director of Sixth Form, Mr Clarke, who participated in the Half Marathon with an impressive finishing time of 2 hours and 10 minutes to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK, kindly provided us with a race report in his own inimitable style:

‘Race day arrived, the serenity and beauty of the day belying the pain, strain and mental challenges runners would have to face. We walked from the busy throng of the runner’s village to the start in the town centre, excitement palpable in the air, with a tinge of trepidation and, for some, impostors syndrome. At the start line, the announcer was getting everyone hyped for the run ahead. Then we were off, running, passing waves of clapping and cheering crowds. Soon the crowds thinned, and town turned to the countryside. We settled down to a steady pace, markers coming and fading into the distance, each taking the energy of each runner as if a toll. The heat gradually rising, challenging the tired legs and lungs. At some points of the race, The Dark Times arrived, unannounced but perhaps not unexpected. Brining gloomy thoughts, clouding the proverbial sunny clear skies, but all worked through these challenges, until at last, after miles and miles the finish line approached, tantalisingly close. The crowd, fully behind the runners, cheering, encouraging, and lifting the spirits of the weary. The pace quickened to a sprint, digging deep, the crowd responding to the added vigour of effort, striding on and on for the final few meters until the magical inflatable blue finish line arch was crossed, euphoric in every sense.

'Heart thumping, realisation setting in, emotions flooding, legs wobbling, a faint smile glimmers through the pure exhaustion, exaltation, and satisfaction. Goodies were handed out like Christmas gifts in the finish bay, including the coveted, gleaming medal taking pride of place around each finisher's neck. Calm and composure resume, breathing and heart rate back to normal, time for photos, a big drink and rest. Reflection of a job well done, the pain, exertion, and The Dark Times a memory. Then what is that? A spark? A question - perhaps another? But not too soon!'

At Brooke Weston Academy, we strive to ‘Be the Difference’ in our community. The efforts of our staff are shining examples of how our BW family can come together to support important causes and inspire others to make a positive impact on our community and beyond. A huge thank you to everyone who donated and to all the well-wishers who offered support and encouragement.