Derbyshire Teacher Embarks on Epic Marathon Challenge for Local Hospice
Alfie Holland, a dedicated teacher at Murray Park School in Derbyshire, is preparing to take on one of the world's most iconic running events – the London Marathon. His mission extends far beyond personal achievement, as he aims to raise crucial funds for Treetops Hospice, a beloved local charity that provides essential care and support to families across the community.
From Personal Goal to Community Endeavour
What began as an individual fitness challenge has rapidly transformed into a remarkable community-wide effort. The Mickleover and wider Derby area have rallied behind Alfie, demonstrating extraordinary solidarity and encouragement for his charitable cause.
"In the first six weeks, I completely caught the running bug," Alfie revealed. "I managed to reduce my 10k time from 63 minutes down to 51, and when I completed my first half marathon in 1 hour 43 minutes, I was absolutely over the moon."
Overcoming Setbacks with Resilience
The journey hasn't been without its obstacles. Alfie's rapid progress was interrupted by an injury that forced him to take five weeks away from training, a period he describes as "mentally really tough."
"I'd gone from feeling unstoppable to suddenly not being able to run at all," he admitted. "It was incredibly frustrating, and I worried that I'd lost all the momentum I'd worked so hard to build."
Olympic Guidance and Community Backing
Support arrived from several unexpected quarters during this challenging time. A parent from Murray Park School, who works as a physiotherapist, offered expert advice that proved instrumental in Alfie's safe recovery.
Even more remarkably, Alfie received crucial guidance from his friend Ben Connor, an Olympic marathon runner who represents Team GB. "Ben told me that around 90 per cent of my training should be at an easy pace," Alfie explained. "I'd been pushing way too hard, and hearing that from an Olympian completely changed my mindset. When an Olympic marathon runner tells you it's okay to run slowly, you definitely listen!"
Ben has since created a personalised training plan for Alfie, providing ongoing support as he prepares for the monumental challenge ahead.
School Community Rallies Behind the Cause
The response from Murray Park School has been overwhelmingly positive. "The reaction from my classes and the wider school community has been absolutely fantastic," Alfie shared. "Students stop me in the corridor to wish me luck, and parents have sent so many kind messages. Some have even completed the London Marathon themselves and shared brilliant race-day tips. The best advice so far has been to make sure my name is clearly visible so I can draw energy from the crowd."
Fundraising Efforts Gather Momentum
A recent non-uniform day at the school raised over £800 for Treetops Hospice, with numerous additional fundraising activities planned in the lead-up to race day. These include:
- A 'guess the finish time' competition
- A 'run the distance' challenge
- Bake sales and cake stalls
- Staff-versus-student sporting events
Choosing a Cause Close to Home
Alfie selected Treetops Hospice as his chosen charity due to its vital role within the local community. "Treetops is such an important part of our area, and there are families at our school that I know will have directly benefited from their services," he explained. "If running a marathon can help them continue their amazing work, then every single mile will be absolutely worth it."
Inspiring Dedication Recognised
Claire Mathias, relationships manager at Treetops Hospice, expressed her admiration for Alfie's efforts. "Alfie's dedication, both in his training and his fundraising, is truly inspiring," she said. "The support from his school community demonstrates just how much impact one determined individual can make. Every pound he raises helps us continue providing specialist care to those who need it most."
Training Through Challenging Conditions
With the London Marathon scheduled for April, Alfie continues his training through cold mornings and dark evenings, motivated by the encouragement of hundreds of students and their families. His journey represents a powerful combination of personal determination, expert guidance, and community spirit, all directed toward supporting a vital local charity that makes a genuine difference to people's lives.
