Joe Barnett (pictured centre above) is a great friend of the JTYAF and when he decided to take on the Bournemouth Marathon to raise funds he couldn't have wished for better support.

His 26.2 mile challenge inspired his students at Beaucroft Foundation School to put on their trainers and get involved. Team Beaucroft got behind Mr Barnett, who is Deputy Head at the school, running laps of the sports field and also indoors on the treadmill until they had completed their challenge of 109 miles, the distance from Beaucroft to the Olympic Stadium in London. Their support didn't end there...

The students not only gave Mr Barnett huge encouragement to go the distance on race day but they helped with fundraising too. They collected sponsorship from their friends and family, in recognition of Team Beaucroft's achievements and raised an amazing £1126!

Linda and Pete Thornton were invited into school for a cheque presentation, which was a great opportunity to celebrate Team Beaucroft's 109 mile run. It was a great school effort and we can't thank them enough. £1126 will make a huge difference to the opportunities that we can provide for local young people and as one of our supported organisations it is very much appreciated that Beaucroft wanted to 'give something back.'

Congratulations to Joe on completing his first Marathon (which he said will also be his last). He was a great inspiration to his students, his family and all who supported him.