St. Mary's Staff & Family Runners!

‍St. Mary's Staff Sponsored Fun Run for Smile for Joel ‍

This term, our incredible staff (and their families!) are lacing up their trainers for a sponsored fun run in support of Smile for Joel – a charity that means so much to our school community.

Smile for Joel was founded by Suzy and Owen – the mother and younger brother of Joel Richards, a former St. Mary's pupil who tragically lost his life in the Tunisian terrorist attack of 2015, along with his uncle and grandfather. Joel was just 19. The only survivor from the holiday was his brave younger brother, Owen – also one of our ex-pupils.

The week before Joel left for Tunisia, he was right here at St. Mary's, volunteering in our Year 4 class and inspiring children and staff alike while exploring a career in teaching. His kindness, energy and care left a lasting impact on us all.

Joel and his family will always be part of our St. Mary’s family. ❤️

This year marks both the 10-year anniversary of that tragic event and of the very first Smile for Joel charity run – an event many of our staff proudly took part in a decade ago.

Smile for Joel supports families devastated by murder and terrorism, working alongside Victim Support to provide care, counselling and help during the darkest of times.

Please consider sponsoring our staff as they run in Joel’s memory and raise money for this amazing cause. Every step we take is a step in hope and remembrance. ️

#SmileForJoel #StMarysFamily #RunForJoel #NeverForgotten