Teacher Goes the Extra Mile in Honour of Late Father

Shaun Purvis, a Year 5 teacher from Holt Farm Junior School, is set to run a virtual marathon this Sunday, 23rd April, in honour of his late father and to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation. 

After not gaining a ballot place for the 2023 marathon, Shaun decided to take matters into his own hands and run the 26.2 mile marathon virtually. Starting at Holt Farm, where he will be accompanied by two of the school's cross country finalists Mia and Rowan, the route passes four schools where Shaun has previously taught before finishing at Priory Park.   

Shaun's father sadly passed away from a heart attack in September 2022 after battling with Mesothelioma.  Determined to do something positive in his father's memory, Shaun is using the virtual marathon as an opportunity to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation, an organization that does vital work in researching and preventing heart disease. 

This week, the school held a “Mad Hair Day” in support of Shaun with pupils and staff arriving at school with some very creative, and colourful, creations!  

We wish Shaun the best of luck as he takes on this virtual marathon to honour his father's memory.  

To show your support for Shaun and make a donation to the British Heart Foundation, please click here.

Shaun (front centre) with colleagues from  Holt Farm Junior School on Mad Hair Day. Yes, he is still washing out the blue rinse!