On 22 September, four Penshurst School parents will be taking in an epic 26.2 mile challenge by participating in The Walk Tonbridge Marathon. We’re doing this to support four fantastic and very worthy charities.

First up is the Cystic Fibrosis Trust: Hayley’s sons, Max and William, lost their great uncle Billy to this awful disease when he was aged just 13. Since then the research by the Trust, funded by public donations, means that those living with the disease can now hope to live into their 50’s. With continued support a cure can be found such that no-one will have to live with the limits of cystic fibrosis.

Secondly is Pancreatic Cancer UK: Georgie lost her father, in 2007, and her mother, less than 1.5 years later, to this, the deadliest of common cancers. Pancreatic cancer is very tricky to diagnose and more than 50% of people die within 3 months of diagnosis. Georgie’s parents both died exactly 6 months after diagnosis - this is considered a best-case scenario of life expectancy. Fundraising goes towards research into earlier detection and treatments. The latter are currently limited given the advanced level of illness at diagnosis often precludes treatment taking place.

Third is Tunbridge Wells Youth for Christ. A local Christian charity based at The Youth Centre that supports young people. The Centre is open after school every day as a safe space for secondary school students to hang out in. They provide toast and cake, board games and Xboxes, craft and a quiet space for reflection and prayer. Their trained youth workers and volunteers are ready to chat about school, home, faith or just the latest football results! They offer a listening ear, mentoring and support to all those who need it. Students are welcome to pop in as often as they like, for a few minutes, or stay for the whole session. This is an amazing Christian charity supporting young people in Tunbridge Wells and runs completely through donations and charitable support.

Our final charity is the Penshurst School PTA: this is the cause that links us all together! Our 6 children all attend this wonderful, nurturing school. Some of you may be aware that a woefully underfunded education system means schools are having to rely on PTAs to step up and fund much needed projects. With our marathon walk we’re raising money for four new interactive whiteboards to support our fantastic teachers in delivering the best learning experience for our children and those that come after them.