Marathon runners Richard Simpson, left and Greg Wilde with Haylands Primary School pupils. Picture by Robin Crossley.
TWO Island school teachers are hoping to make the grade in this year’s London Marathon.
Greg Wilde, a teacher at Haylands Primary School, and his friend and former work colleague, Richard Simpson, have decided to run for sailing charity UKSA and Breaks4Kids — a scheme which works closely with disabled children and arranges activities and courses.
Greg, 32, said: "We’ve been doing a lot of training for the marathon and over the past few weeks we have stepped up the intensity. I also ran in the Reading half marathon.
"During the week we have mainly been road running, with longer runs of about 15 to 20 miles at the weekend. We’ve also been doing a lot of work in the gym."
Greg explained the reason for raising money for his nominated charity, Breaks4Kids.
"I really want to raise awareness for the charity because they do such a fantastic job and give children with learning difficulties opportunities to get out and enjoy themselves.
"With my links to teaching, the Breaks4Kids charity seemed the logical choice."
Richard plans to go one step further and also compete in the Brighton Marathon on April 18 — a week before the London Marathon.
Richard, 32, said: "Having run my first marathon in Amsterdam in October, I am well aware this is a huge task for me. I am raising money for two charities, UKSA and Breaks4kids.
"I have worked with UKSA and saw the benefits children get from activity breaks. That’s why I am prepared to give this a go in the hope it helps these two charities carry on their amazing work."
• To sponsor the duo, log on to www.justgiving.com/richard-simpson or www.justgiving.com/greg-wilde
Reporter: jamiew@iwcpmail.co.uk