Students from St John’s Sixth Form in Bishop Auckland are celebrating after completing this year’s Great North Run and raising an impressive amount of money for charity along the way.
Two Year 13 students, Lexi James and Sophie Ramsey, successfully completed the half marathon on Sunday after dedicating many hours to training. Both crossed the finish line with times they were proud of and are already looking forward to taking part again in the future.
Lexi raised more than £400 for Quinn’s Retreat and was overwhelmed by the support she received throughout her fundraising journey and on race day itself.
Sophie raised more than £1,000 for CHUF. Running alongside her dad, she described the experience as one she thoroughly enjoyed and hopes to continue building on through future running challenges.
Both students spoke passionately about the positive impact running can have on mental health. They highlighted the sense of freedom it can provide, the opportunity to clear the mind and the feeling of achievement that comes from reaching personal goals. They also reflected on how the determination and resilience developed through running can be transferred to academic studies.
Year 12 student Yasmin Watson also took part in the Great North Run weekend, completing the 5K event on the Friday before the main race. Yasmin raised £400 for Cancer Research and, like Sophie, completed the challenge alongside her dad.
Reflecting on the experience, Yasmin said the event itself was inspiring and enjoyable, particularly when compared with the hard work involved in training. Having completed the 5K, she is already planning to return next year with the aim of eventually progressing to the full half marathon distance.
The students agreed that taking part in the Great North Run was an achievement they had always wanted to experience. Alongside the funds raised for important causes, the event provided lasting memories, a sense of personal accomplishment and the opportunity to proudly wear the iconic Great North Run finisher’s T-shirt.
The success of Lexi, Sophie and Yasmin highlights the wide range of opportunities available to students at St John’s Sixth Form, where personal development, wellbeing and community involvement sit alongside academic achievement.
