Running the London Marathon has been on my bucket list since I was a small child. I used to watch the runners on TV on a cold April morning and always found myself feeling quite emotional about the dedication and immense strength they had. I only have to hear the music now and it brings tears to my eyes….. As a result I have entered the ballot for about the last 15 years and have never been successful. In February (whilst we were remote teaching) I got the email to say I was in – I genuinely couldn’t believe it.
Four months later, and with 16 weeks of training under my belt, I found myself on the start line. It was, without doubt, one of the hardest things I have ever done. But the power and positivity of the crowd was utterly amazing; it renewed my faith in humanity and in the human spirit. Whilst I was training, I listened to a podcast with Andrew Strauss – he had lost his wife to non-smokers cancer and he spoke so eloquently about the help that his young sons had received in the aftermath of her death. Being a Housemistress for nearly 10 years and with 20 years of boarding experience under my belt, I thought back over the number of girls I had looked after who had lost a parent and I just knew that I had to do something to help. The Ruth Strauss Foundation not only undertake research into non-smokers lung cancer, but more importantly, they support the bereaved children who are left behind. I have raised almost £4000 for the RSF.
I had my mum, husband and daughter to cheer me on; they were amazing. Zosh organised a wonderful surprise for my fantastic L6; I saw them for the first time at mile 18. It was the most uplifting and magical moment. I knew then that I could do it!
I won’t EVER run a marathon again but it was the most rewarding, humbling and proud experience of my life. Everyone should do it. Just once.
Mrs Fran Barnes
Housemistress, Kenelm
