Girls’ marathon challenge raises money for mental health

January 18, 2021

These School House boarders have run the equivalent of a full marathon.

A group of pupils at Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools has been taking part in a marathon challenge to raise funds for the mental health charity, Mind.

Eight Monmouth School for Girls’ boarders, based in School House, have achieved the equivalent of a full marathon – 26.2 miles.

Anwen, Erica, Olivia, Aderyn, Hallie, Stacey, Angelina and Lily and have each completed a marathon.

Pupils at Monmouth School Girls’ Prep have also run a marathon between them.

Assistant Houseparent at School House, Mrs Joanne Pascoe, her son, Alfie, and fellow Assistant Houseparent, Miss Emma Betts, have also completed the challenge.

“We are super proud of all the girls,” said Mrs Pascoe, who has trophies to hand out to the Year 7 girls when they return to the boarding house after lockdown.

The Michaelmas Marathon Challenge, led by Mrs Pascoe and her husband, Mr Keith Pascoe, the Houseparent in School House, aimed to raise £1,000 for Mind.

However, the tremendous running feat has netted £510 for the mental health charity.

Mr and Mrs Pascoe had planned to celebrate the girls’ success with a socially distanced finale with fellow boarders lining the school driveway to cheer the runners over the line.

Unfortunately, the finale could not take place due to current restrictions.

However, the girls who saved their final kilometres completed the runs at home, sharing videos and photographs of their progress.

“They all really enjoyed the challenge,” said Mrs Pascoe.

“Watching the money go up on their JustGiving page was brilliant motivation for the girls.”