Ian Bartle, Executive Headteacher of the Sherborne Area Primary Schools, took on the 2026 London Marathon in support of LHOPS and other local charities.
Ian Bartle, Executive Headteacher of the Sherborne Area Primary Schools, took on the 2026 London Marathon in support of several charities close to his community, including Let's Help Our Primary Schoolchildren.
On a warm April day, Ian joined over 60,000 runners in what became a record-breaking event, the most finishers ever recorded in a single marathon, and the fastest finish in history. He described the atmosphere as an incredible 'party,' even as the heat made every mile harder.
"It was so hard, with the hot weather," Ian said, "but to raise money for such worthy charities made it so worthwhile. Our children and their families are struggling, and I just wanted to do something to help. Poverty is a blight on our community and not fair on our children."
Ian's words reflect something LHOPS hears from schools every year. The number of families needing support in Sherborne and the surrounding villages continues to rise. This year, seven schools will receive help for the first time.
If you'd like to support Ian's fundraising or donate directly to LHOPS, you'll find the details on our website.
