A student from St Benedict’s School undergoing treatment for cancer has successfully completed the Ealing Half Marathon, raising more than £30,000 for the St Benedict’s Bursary Fund.
Despite the challenges she faces, Isabel M has shown extraordinary resilience and determination by not only completing the 13.1-mile race, but also leading a campaign to support a cause close to her heart.
The St Benedict’s Bursary Fund exists to make education accessible to talented and motivated students, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances. It supports current students whose families may be experiencing unexpected financial difficulty, while also opening doors for new students who might otherwise be unable to join the school.
Isabel said: “The idea for this campaign came from my own experience. When my family and I were experiencing such a difficult time, the bursary fund meant I could stay at St Benedict’s and have the support of my friends, teachers, and this amazing community around me. I’ll always be so grateful for that.
“I chose the bursary fund because I want other families who face similar circumstances such as bereavement or illness to be supported in the same way. It feels amazing to be able to give something back.”
When Isabel’s sports wheelchair provider fell through ahead of the race, St Benedict’s launched an urgent appeal for help. After hearing her story on LBC, listener Paul connected with wheelchair manufacturer Sunrise Medical, who generously donated a Quickie QS5 X. Lucy Evans, Head of Marketing at Sunrise Medical, personally delivered the chair to school staff – ensuring Isabel could complete the half marathon far more comfortably than in a standard wheelchair.
Isabel said: “I have been blown away by the level of support from not only the local community but also wider afield. Thank you so much to everyone for their encouragement and donations, and in particular Sunrise Medical for providing the wheelchair to make my experience, and those pushing me, more comfortable. None of this would have been possible with them.”
Lucy added: “Our mission has always been to improve lives by enabling people to pursue what they love, and by challenging barriers and perceptions around wheelchair use.
“It’s been incredibly inspiring to see Isabel take on the Ealing Half Marathon, complete the race, and raise money for the St Benedict’s Bursary Fund. Supporting her in this challenge reflects our commitment, and we’re proud to provide equipment such as the Quickie QS5 X that helps make achievements like this possible.”
To donate to Isabel’s fundraiser, visit: https://annualfund.stbenedicts.org.uk/campaigns/running-with-heart-st-benedicts-bursary
