Jess Thompstone is taking on one of the world’s most famous and demanding races as she prepares to run the London Marathon for Derwen College Charity – a bucket-list goal she is determined to achieve before turning 40.
Jess, Head of Safeguarding at our Gobowen campus, secured one of two charity places for the iconic event and is set to raise £2,000 for Derwen Charity. She has already raised £1,400!
Balancing marathon training and fundraising with work, family life and part-time university study isn’t easy, but Jess is determined to take on the 26-mile challenge and be a positive role model for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Jess has worked at Derwen College for 13 years and says the students she supports every day have inspired her to take on the challenge. Throughout her time at College, she has seen students grow in confidence, take on new challenges and achieve goals they once thought were out of reach. She says their resilience and determination played a big part in her decision to apply for a marathon place.
Jess says: “For the past 13 years, I have had the privilege of working alongside incredible young people at Derwen College. I have seen students grow in confidence, take on new challenges, and achieve goals they once thought were impossible. The students have taught me a great deal about resilience, perseverance and the value of keeping going, even when things feel difficult. Running the London Marathon is my way of giving something back, while also taking on a personal challenge before I turn 40.”
Although Jess enjoys running, this will be her first marathon. To prepare, she’s following a structured training plan to build up gradually. She has completed a 10k over the summer and is taking on Shrewsbury Half Marathon on 27 September,
Shocked but excited to get a place
She added: “I was quite shocked to get a place. I entered without really expecting to be successful, even though it is something that has been in the back of my mind for a few years. I’m nervous about the challenge ahead, but excited too. I think my biggest worry is the overall commitment and the time needed for training, especially with a young family, but they have been brilliant and said they will join me on runs on their bikes. We’ll see how that goes through the winter months though!”
Jess is already well on the way to reaching her fundraising target with a sweepstake, cake sale, raffle and stalls. Family and friends are backing her all the way as she begins her marathon journey.
Bryony Wesson, Fundraiser at Derwen College, said: “We were thrilled that Jess put her name forward to run the London Marathon for Derwen College charity. It is a huge challenge to take on, and we are so grateful for her support. She has already made a fantastic start to her fundraising, and we know the whole College community will be cheering her on every step of the way.”
Jess will be joined on the day by fellow Derwen Charity runner Ollie Burnett, who owns Core Gym in Oswestry and is an industry champion for the College.
Donations will help Derwen College charity continue to support students as they learn, develop independence and prepare for their futures. Anyone who would like to support Jess’s fundraising can donate via her fundraising page at derwen.me/Jess-Thompstone