Local Highfield mum to run marathon for bursary fund

Emma Smith, from Liss, was due to run the London Marathon 2018 but after a trip ice skating with her daughters in February last year resulted in her falling over and breaking her elbow she had to make the heart-breaking decision to defer her place.

Emma Smith says, ‘I was still determined to run but in March realised that training was just not an option and that I had fallen too far behind in regards to my fitness, so sadly the decision was made for me.’

Emma found motivation to start training again this year – which was initially tough, as last year she was training with friends and hoped to run with them too. Whereas this year she hasn’t had that support so had to really stay focused and push herself especially on the longer runs.

Emma continues, ‘I am following the London Marathon week-by-week training programme, which has been a fantastic resource and most importantly is keeping me on target and fit.’

Emma is running the marathon to raise money for the Highfield Centenary Bursary Fund. In 2007, Highfield School created an award scheme offering funded school places for children who would draw exceptional benefit from joining the school, perhaps as a result of less than optimal family or educational circumstances. The aim of the fund is to broaden access to children for whom a Highfield education is likely to have the greatest impact on their academic and personal development and future life chances.

Emma trains a lot at Highfield school once she has dropped the children off in the morning, which has 175 acres of land.

Emma explains, ‘I see and hear the children while I run which is a constant reminder of what a happy, busy, special place Highfield is. We are very fond of the school and our children are so very happy there so raising money for the Fund – who are able to offer other children the opportunity to be part of the school community – is such a positive wonderful initiative to be part of.’

Emma has found the long runs the most daunting and time consuming, but she finishes by saying, ‘The thought of running over the finishing line, receiving my medal and hopefully raising a good amount for the Fund is what’s keeping me going.’

To sponsor Emma and help raise money for this amazing fund visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/EmmaSmith1974

To find out more about the fund head to highfieldschool.org.uk/admissions/centenary-bursaries