“If you want things to change, you have to step up and try.”

These are the words I say to the children in my school.

Now, I’m living by them.

I’m a primary school headteacher from North Manchester, and I’m taking on the biggest challenge of my life to step up for school communities because all children deserve schools that are safer, stronger, and full of opportunity.

WHY

Being a headteacher is a privilege. Every day, I am a role model to young children with huge potential children who deserve belief, ambition, and adults who lead by example.

But being a role model doesn’t stop at the school gates.

Across the country, primary schools are under growing pressure. Communities are dealing with safeguarding concerns, social change, and limited resources yet schools are expected to be the safe, steady centre that holds everything together.

I believe primary schools should be safe havens: places of security, pride, and possibility. But places that serve the communities beyond school hours. A pillar of the community supporting each community in the best way possible, through weekends, holidays. Standing up for communities and improving facilities, safety and opportunities is the only way to make this possible.

HOW

In February 2026, I will walk over 1,000 miles to all 20 Premier League stadiums, completing every mile during school holidays and entirely in my own time.

I will be walking on average a marathon a day for well over 50 days!

I’ll walk the whole journey in my work shirt and tie, a symbol of leadership, responsibility, and visibility. This is about walking the walk, not just talking about change.

The challenge is physical but the purpose is bigger.

WHAT

This walk is about stepping up for school communities.

Funds raised will be used to:

The first phase of funding will support my own school and local community, where I can deliver immediate impact and accountability.

As the campaign grows, support will extend to other primary school communities, sharing learning, resources, and practical support. The more fundraising we generate, the more schools, the more communities up and down the country we can support.

None of the fundraising will go towards the cost of making the challenge happen. This will be personally funded or raised through sponsorship and partnerships.

This campaign is also about leadership. By stepping up publicly, I want to encourage other school leaders to step up too, opening doors to funding, partnerships, and opportunities for schools and communities across the country.

THE COMMITMENT

This is a personal fundraising challenge, not run by a school.

Every penny raised is ring-fenced for the sole purpose of supporting and strengthening primary school communities.

THE ASK

Whether you can donate, share the page, or simply follow the journey — thank you.

If you want things to change, you have to step up and try.

Together, we can step up for school communities.