I’ll be running my 36th marathon in Norwich, Norfolk. This week’s run is for teachers—the people who shape the future of our country. I’m running in support of Education Support, a charity dedicated to the mental health and well-being of education professionals across the UK.

What is the struggle?

Teaching is more than a job—it’s a vocation. Yet teachers are leaving the profession in alarming numbers. Stress, exhaustion, and overwhelming workloads have made teaching one of the most pressured careers in the country. Beyond the classroom hours lie lesson planning, marking, pastoral care, and safeguarding responsibilities. Both my parents are teachers, and I’ve seen this firsthand for as long as I can remember. It’s no wonder that many teachers face burnout, anxiety, and depression.

Why am I running for this cause?

Because my mum and dad have worked far beyond their contract, their classroom, and their energy levels. They pour themselves into helping children succeed, often at the cost of their own well-being. Teachers don’t just deliver lessons; they are mentors, protectors, and role models.

What is Education Support and what do they do?

Education Support is the UK’s only charity dedicated to the mental health and wellbeing of teachers and education staff. They provide a 24/7 helpline, counselling services, financial support, and wellbeing programmes for schools. Their mission is simple but vital: to ensure that those who care for our children are cared for too.

Your donation directly helps teachers:

• £10 funds a supportive call to a struggling teacher.

• £25 helps provide a counselling session.

• £50 supports a group wellbeing workshop in a school.

• £100 contributes to financial grants for staff in crisis.

Please consider donating to Education Support. Help give something back to those who give everything, yet are underappreciated. For more info: www.educationsupport.org.uk

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