Burnley PE teachers are charity champs after completing 50 marathons in a month
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Six members of the PE department at Sir John Thursby Community College completed a staggering 50 marathons between them and were in the top five per cent of fundraisers on JustGiving, the global online social platform for fundraising in May after they raised £1,513.
They money they raised will be donated to Lancashire MIND, an independent charity which works to change the lives of children and adults in the county to reduce the number of people who have experienced a mental health condition.
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Hide AdPE teaching assistant Tom Ryland said: " On a daily basis we aim to improve physical and mental well-being through the delivery of PE and also a variety of extra curricular activities like football and cricket and also trips out for students.
"As this all stopped due to the restrictions we wanted to come together as a department to raise awareness of mental health through the charity that provides fantastic support and guidance to people in the county."
Clocking up an incredible 1,334 miles between them the team, who included assistant headteacher Gary Woods and PE teachers Heather Davies, William Oddy and Andrew Hill. averaged around 30 to 40 miles day and even 50 on some days
With their ages ranging from their 20s to their 40s the team, led by Head of Department Heather Windle, ran, walked, cycled and rowed to clock up the mileage.
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Hide AdThe team recorded some fantastic personal achievements with Andrew completing his first ever marathon in three hours, 27 minutes. Mrs Windle conquered the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge in eight hours, 20 minutes and Mrs Davies ran and walked an incredible 174 miles. Gary ran 150 miles and Tom covered 220 miles walking while William got on his bike to pedal 253 miles, covering the equivalent of a marathon on one day when he rode for 26 miles.
Tom added: "There was quite a competitive spirit among the team which really spurred us on and also we felt it was important to show students how much better you feel by getting active and out and about."