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Michael’s marathon inspires his pupils


Teachers often like to set an example to their pupils but, when it comes to keeping fit, Michael Evans, a teacher at Cliffe Woods Primary School in Rochester, has gone one step – in fact several steps – further. The Year 5 teacher ran the London Marathon to raise over £2,600 for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).

Michael, 33, who lives in Rochester, was inspired to run the Marathon by Enola, a six year-old pupil at Cliffe Woods Primary School, who was born with the rare liver disease, biliary atresia, and has just received a life-saving liver transplant.

“Childhood liver disease is rare and we know that Enola and her family have received a lot of information and support from CLDF” explains Michael. “As a school, we have been showing our support for Enola by fundraising for the Foundation over the past few months. I thought running the Marathon would be a great way to help the school’s fundraising efforts and boost enthusiasm. Lots of children at the school have been very excited about it and several even came up to the event to cheer me on!

“I’ve never done this event before but have always competed in sporting events. It was a fantastic day from start to finish- with amazing crowds all the way around the course as well as perfect weather conditions! Training leading up to the event was a little mixed due to injuries but I got to the start line and finish line in one piece!”

The children at Michael’s school have really been inspired by his efforts and will be carrying out further fundraising of their own this term in the lead up to their Festival of Sport.

Alison Taylor, Chief Executive of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation commented: “CLDF is the only UK charity dedicated to fighting all childhood liver diseases, by providing information and emotional support, funds for research and a voice for all those affected. In order to do this however, we rely almost entirely on voluntary donations, so we’re delighted that Michael has not only run the London Marathon for us but inspired his pupils to carry out further fundraising. It’s a wonderful way of showing support to Enola and making a difference to other families around the UK who are affected by childhood liver disease.”

For more information on CLDF visit childliverdisease.org.

You can support the Cliffe Woods with their fundraising campaign by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/michael-evans65

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