Letters Page 4,5,6 Ben’s 10km Challenge

Ben’s Triumphant 1000km Challenge

Stotfold student Ben Clifford certainly had cause for celebration in 2022 as he achieved the challenge of running 1000 kilometres throughout the year all for a magnificent cause. Running for the charity Versus Arthritis, Ben set himself the challenge of running 20km each week throughout the year to achieve his goal. “I chose to run this challenge to raise funds for this charity as my Mum Emma has been a sufferer of this disease for sometime. ” Ben told the Stotfold News Magazine.

“I broke the runs down into smaller, more achieveable amounts to enable me to progress and achieve the overall challenge of 1,000 kilometres. ”

Samuel Whitbread Engineering student Ben, chose to run around Stotfold & Arlesey with Mum Emma helping him to finally cross the finish line in December! “ I was thrilled to raise £500 for the arthritis charity, whilst helping myself to stay fit and healthy at the same time. ”

Ben is hoping to continue his training and one day aims to complete the London Marathon, recently completing a half marathon in just 1hr 49 mins.

Mum Emma told the magazine “ I was so proud of Ben for choosing to help this wonderful charity - even though at times I think he found it tough, he was thrilled to be able to raise such a great amount of money for such a worthy cause. ” Ben’s fundraising link can be found below:

Mum Emma (left) pictured wth Ben

www.gofundme.com/f/running-1000km-in-a-year-for-versus-arthritis

Emma joins Ben as he crosses the finish line of his 1000k challenge.

North Herts Road Runners

The next 1st Sat of the month 5k at Letchworth Common will be on 4th Feb at 9am. entry is free and open to all abilities.

We continue our training sessions with qualified coaches on Tues. & Thurs evenings at 7pm. these are open to all runners from novice to experienced runners.

Why not come along for a taster session with no obligation. all our details are on nhrr.org.uk or Contact Ian on 07506 429 928 or contact nhrr.org.uk

24hr Marathon Smashed by Samuel Whitbread Academy Students.

Netball and Rugby students from Samuel Whitbread Academy, a part of the Bedfordshire School Trust (BEST), have taken on their biggest physical challenge yet.

The students will be travelling to South Africa in July to compete in an international competition in both netball and rugby. To cover the cost of equipment, kit and excursions - one being to swim with seals, the group set themselves a target of fundraising £6,000. To help them reach the students set themselves an epic challenge – running a whole marathon by completing one mile every hour for 26 hours straight.

The fundraiser kicked off at 3pm on Thursday 8th December with many of the participating students and staff wrapped up in hats and gloves, while others opted for a fancy-dress approach and wore onesies to keep them warm! The challenge moved from Clifton to Biggleswade Rugby Club, to carry on through the night, with the group powering on despite the sub-zero temperatures as low as -5 degrees! On Friday morning the group returned to school to complete the final nine miles – reaching the finish line at 5pm.

Donations and sponsorship flooded in, with the students smashing their original target and raising over £10,000 to date. The students decided to split the proceeds between expenses for the trip and a township they will visit in Cape Town, whilst on tour.

Principal Nick Martin said: “Despite the cold conditions, sleep deprivation and uncomfortable beds these students never gave up! Their determination, teamwork and commitment embodies our school values of empathy, teamwork and determination. They are fantastic ambassadors for Samuel Whitbread !”

The GoFundMe page is still open. If you would like to donate visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/netball-and-rugby-tour-south-africa-2023

The netball and rugby teams were joined by staff members to complete the challenge and raise over £10,000!