Deputy Head Runs Ultra Marathons to Raise Awareness for Young Minds

A deputy headteacher has passed through Market Harborough as part of an epic fundraising challenge.

Liam Collins, from Captains Close Primary in Ashfordby, is running three ultra marathons in three days, covering 90 miles between all 20 schools in the Discovery Schools Academy Trust across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.

He is raising money for mental health charity Young Minds.

L to R is Donica Dhamelia (Farndon Fields PE Lead), Liam Collins (Deputy Headteacher Captains Close) and Rosalind Hopkins (Discovery Trust Director of Specialist Provision) Donica and Ros accompanied Liam on the leg of his run from Farndon Fields to Wellington Place. 

For Liam, the miles are only part of the mission. At every school stop, he joins the children for laps, encourages openness about mental well-being, and aims to build a supportive community linking physical activity and mental health awareness.

Pupils at Farndon Fields and Wellington Place Primary Schools in Market Harborough showed their support with banners and joined in laps around their playgrounds.

Liam said: “I want to build a community and raise awareness and funds for Young Minds. I hope to spark vital conversations within the school gates, encouraging children to be honest and proactive about their mental well-being, and to create a supportive environment that bridges the gap between physical activity and mental health awareness.”

Donations can be made via his JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/page/liam-collins-1.