This year’s Charity Run proved once again why it remains one of the most cherished events in the school calendar. On Thursday afternoon, under clear skies and with upbeat music setting the tone, the entire school community came together for an unforgettable celebration of generosity and determination.
From the moment the whole school gathered at The Langham Pavilion for the warm‑up, the atmosphere was electric. Houses proudly wore themed items linked to their chosen charities, staff joined in with equal enthusiasm and house reps rallied their groups with energy and good humour.
With the Longholme Café trailer serving warm drinks and two ice cream vans adding to the sense of occasion, families and staff enjoyed cheering on the boys while soaking up the sunshine.
A Whole‑School Effort for Incredible Causes
This year, boys raised money for 11 charities, each chosen by members of the day and boarding community. In total, they raised over £9,500 – a remarkable achievement, especially following a successful Movember campaign earlier in the year.
Special recognition goes to:
- Paulo Pontine, who single‑handedly raised over £1,500 for the Primrose Unit at Bedford Hospital.
- Dan in Burnaby, who ran an astonishing 100km over two weeks for Tibbs Dementia.
- Gabe in Burnaby, who completed 1,000 pull‑ups in a single day and 2,300 overall as part of his fundraising – an extraordinary physical feat.
Outstanding Athletic Achievements
What truly captured the spirit of the day was the determination shown by boys and staff who pushed themselves well beyond the main event. Many boarders and staff members completed half marathons during the afternoon, showcasing real resilience and commitment.
And in one of the most inspiring moments of the event, Sam and Oliver from Redburn and Oliver from Pemberley continued long after the sun had set to complete full marathons in the dark, finally finishing at around 8.30pm – a testament to extraordinary grit and the unwavering support around them from peers, tutors and house staff.
Community Spirit at Its Very Best
Every corner of the school played its part. Staff ran alongside boys, supervised ice‑cream queues, clapped from the sidelines, encouraged tired legs, solved last‑minute logistics and helped maintain the wonderfully upbeat atmosphere. Upper Sixth Form DJs Charlie and Charlie kept spirits high with a vibrant soundtrack throughout the afternoon.
Behind the scenes, the grounds, events and IT teams ensured the event ran smoothly, while housemasters, tutors and house reps kept their groups organised, supported and motivated.
“Having fun and doing good”
To borrow the much‑loved Movember motto, the afternoon was truly about “having fun and doing good”. Whether running, fundraising, supporting or simply sharing the moment, every single person played a part in helping create a memorable and impactful event.
As the sun set on the final runners and the last cups of hot chocolate were enjoyed, the 2026 Charity Run stood as a powerful reminder of what makes our school community so special: kindness, teamwork and the courage to keep going.
