On your marks, get set, go!

Students and staff at St Margaret’s Academy are limbering up for the Liverpool Half Marathon this month, in aid of a local charity.

The Aigburth-based school has taken part in the annual event over the past five years, both competing and volunteering.

Each year, the academy raises money for worthwhile local causes and this time around all fundraising efforts will go to The Walton Centre Charity.

The Walton Centre Charity supports the work of The Walton Centre in Liverpool – a specialist neuroscience hospital treating over 100,000 patients a year with conditions including head and spinal trauma injuries; tumours of the nervous system; epilepsy; multiple sclerosis and motor neurone disease.

The charity helps support excellence in neuroscience by funding a variety of projects at the hospital that help improve patient care and services. These include innovative equipment; research; as well as improved facilities for patients and families.

Religious studies teacher, Hazel Kinloch, said: “At St Margaret’s, we thoroughly enjoy taking part in prestigious events within the city. The Liverpool Half Marathon is now in its 25th year and we’re celebrating the occasion by entering and volunteering as a school.

“We have decided to raise money for The Walton Centre Charity as three members of staff have had treatment at the centre and have benefited from their specialist care. We are really keen to give back and thank them for their incredible work.”

As part of the academy’s volunteering and citizenship scheme, students will set up water stations for the runners enabling them to rehydrate on the go.

Hazel Kinloch heads up the scheme and encourage students to develop their teamwork skills plus their empathy and compassion for the local community. St Margaret’s prides itself on helping students academically as well as building their confidence.

Also taking part is art and design teacher, Mark Bradfield-Smith. He said: “My main reasons for doing the half marathon is to maintain and increase my fitness levels. I did have possible genetic health problems, which fortunately have now been tested and cleared, so this has given me the inspiration and determination to continue to lead a healthy life.”

The Liverpool Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 25 March.

Esther Twieg a trainee teacher, will be running with St Margaret’s for the first time. She said: “I love being part of the school and running as a team. I feel it’s important for the school to have positive role models which is why I want to participate and encourage students and colleagues to maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

To donate, please visit the academy’s Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hazel-kinloch