Banks Methodist Primary super head Stephen puts a new twist on the home-school run

By Sonja Astbury
Published 26th Oct 2020, 15:45 BST
Updated 26th Oct 2020, 15:52 BST
Banks Methodist Primary School headteacher Stephen Draper received a rapturous welcome form his young pupils Photos by Neil CrossBanks Methodist Primary School headteacher Stephen Draper received a rapturous welcome form his young pupils Photos by Neil Cross
Banks Methodist Primary School headteacher Stephen Draper received a rapturous welcome form his young pupils Photos by Neil Cross
When it comes to setting homework Stephen Draper is a real task master - to himself that is.

For the Banks Methodist Primary School headteacher has just completed a gruelling exercise which was only weeks in the running.

Last month he set himself the challenge of running the 18 miles from his home in Chorley to the West Lancs school to raise money for an outdoor play area.

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The novice runner has done a few short runs over the years but is no fan of long distance. But he was determined to help swell funds, which have depleted due to the coronavirus pandemic halting charity events.

Youngsters braved the rain to cheer headteacher Stephen Draper as he ran into Banks Methodist Primary SchoolYoungsters braved the rain to cheer headteacher Stephen Draper as he ran into Banks Methodist Primary School
Youngsters braved the rain to cheer headteacher Stephen Draper as he ran into Banks Methodist Primary School

Pupils at the 75-pupil school, including nursery youngsters, helped him train by joining in a daily mile run round the school yard.

He set up a go fund me page and was amazed that he has already realised more than £1,750.

The run, on the wet and dreary last day of the half term, was a real family affair with his brother Andrew, a keen runner, acting as a pacer and his teacher wife Annette providing support in the car en route. His dad also put in an appearance along the way.

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Stephen said: “ I didn’t stop at all and managed to do the whole 17.98 miles in two hours 45 minutes.

Well done Sir... even the youngest nursery and infant children cheered headteacher Stephen Draper on his hone to school runWell done Sir... even the youngest nursery and infant children cheered headteacher Stephen Draper on his hone to school run
Well done Sir... even the youngest nursery and infant children cheered headteacher Stephen Draper on his hone to school run

“I hadn’t actually run this far before and I was really struggling as we got into Banks but it was amazing to see all the parents and people out there supporting me. “They had their masks on and were social distance cheering me on.

“Schools along the route also came out .

“When I came round the corner the reception when I got to school was amazing.

“When I saw all the smiles on the kids faces it was just brilliant and made it all worthwhile.”

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Mr Draper is planning to keep up the daily mile in school to help keep the youngsters fit and active.

He said: “We will carry on with the running and in the spring we are hoping to get the whole school involved in a virtual run to the Garden of the Tomb in Jerusalem."

Besides outdoor equipment he is hoping to be able to use some of the money raised from his efforts to create a Remembrance Day tribute in the school garden.

Anyone who wants to help with the project can visit the headteacher’s Go Fund Me page at: https://uk.gf.me/v/c/gfm/v6usn-a-cause-i-care-about-needs-help

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Related topics:SchoolsChorley

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