Afaf Above the Water - Half Marathon to honour her legacy

Being a teacher is a privilege. Helping young people grow into adults is a joy. I knew Afaf Ahmed for two years. She was a vibrant, dynamic, enthusiastic pupil, full of life. As her Chemistry teacher and her Head of Sixth Form I saw her make friends, grow in confidence on expedition and even learn titration calculations.

Tragically her life was cut short in August last year. She drowned on holiday just after receiving her A Level results and firming her place in Liverpool.

We've mourned her as a school, our hearts break for Hanan, her mother. Hanan and Afaf were very close, Hanan lived and breathed to see her daughter grow and mature into the young lady that she became.

I decided to do the Coventry Half Marathon and when I heard about the charity "Afaf above the water" that Hanan was setting up, I knew that I would try to raise some money for it. You can read about it here: https://afafabovethewater.com/

In October I twisted my ankle and ended up on crutches for a couple of months. No broken bones, but something snapped and the bruising was astonishing. Soft tissue damage, probably to one of the ligaments that attaches to the Achilles tendon. I knew then that I had six months to get fit for the Half. Having now completed a 12 mile run and a 15 week training program, I'm as ready as I can be.

Afaf brought laughter and joy to everyone that knew her. So please support this charity as it sets out to make the world a better place.