London Marathon Fundraiser

Our 2023/24 Sports Captain ran this year’s London Marathon, aiming to raise thousands of pounds for Maggie’s.

Just 8 weeks before the race, Sophie was allocated a place to run on behalf of Maggie’s, one of our school charities, who provide free expert advice and emotional support to people affected by cancer. Fortunately, she was already in training for the Brighton Marathon, so decided to do London instead. Sophie is sitting A Levels in English, History and Maths in just a few weeks’ time. “Training was one the main things keeping me sane through my preparation for the exams!” Many of our Sixth Form students volunteer at our local Maggie’s Centre at the Royal Free, and the whole school community rallied to support Sophie’s efforts, with pupils organising a bake sale and giving generously towards her £3,000 target. Further donations are welcome here.

“Sport at South Hampstead has been always hugely important to me. I’ve made most of my best friends from being part of the football squad since Year 7. I never really trained for school cross country or athletics, so surprisingly I didn’t hit a wall on the day. The crowds were amazing and so many people were supporting me. Seeing my dad, Miss Hardy, and hearing my friends cheering at 38km really helped to push me through the last stage. I saw two rhinos, two lobsters, a banana, and lots of funny signs – and was overtaken by a football. It was really a 26.2 mile street party!” 

Two of our teachers also took part. Mr O’Grady ran his first marathon in 3.36:23, running past a man carrying a bike in his final kilometre, to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Despite tearing her ankle ligaments whilst playing netball just weeks beforehand, Ms Humphreys was determined to complete the race to fundraise for Cancer Research, walking the entire route in a tremendous display of commitment. Well done to our valiant trio.