Two parents from Radstock will be taking on the Bath Half Marathon on Sunday, 1st March to raise funds for Fosse Way School, in Westfield. The couple have three children, including their seven-year-old son, Aaron, who suffered a stroke whilst his mother, Sarah Pearce, was pregnant with him. The stroke has left Aaron with epilepsy, ADHD and autism, with significant learning and mobility issues.
Mark and Sarah Pearce have so far raised nearly £700 in just two weeks to purchase specialist play equipment for local pupils with similar needs to Aaron. Such pieces help to build up muscle, co-ordination and balance and this innovative equipment means children have fun at the same time as benefitting their health.
"We have been running since the New Year and the training is going really well, albeit quite cold!" says Sarah, speaking to The Journal this week. "It was after I surprised myself at completing the race last year in three hours that I decided it would be a great idea to raise some money for our son's school and to give something back for the wonderful work and dedication that the staff give the children.
"We are very much looking forward to 1st March and are sure, with the support of the crowds and the atmosphere, it will make the 13.1 miles much more bearable and after all, we are running for such a great local cause.
"The play equipment we are raising funds for usually comes at a premium price for children with special needs, so we would now like to spread the word and appeal to more than our family and friends to support us in raising as much as possible.
"We do not have a Just Giving page, but anybody willing to donate can do so by contacting Fosse Way School on: 01761 412198 or myself on: 07743 995846. There are also sponsor forms at the school and in the adjoining café.
"Everyone has been very generous so far and we would love to be able to add to our current figure and present it to the school."