Marathon fundraising by academy business manager

The business manager at a Wisbech school has completed a marathon effort to raise charity funds in memory of her dad.
​
Emma Burt completed the entire 26.2-mile virtual event and has raised hundreds of pounds for a hospice which helped her family when her dad Chris was terminally ill with lung cancer.

---

Staff and students at the Thomas Clarkson Academy have been supporting Miss Burt, who joined the team in 2015 and was back at her desk after completing the distance in 4hrs 33mins on Sunday, October 3.

Her dad died in January at the age of 72 and Miss Burt said he had been able to stay at home throughout his illness because of the help he and her mum Jean received from St Margaret’s Hospice, near their Somerset home.

“Unfortunately, because of Covid restrictions at the time of his death, we weren’t able to celebrate his life and allow people to pay their respects in the way we know many local people would have,” she said.

A keen runner from an early age, Miss Burt has completed the Great Eastern Run in Peterborough twice, the Rat Race at Burghley Park, Stamford and the Moonwalk in London four times, a 26.2 mile overnight walk.

She completed the virtual London Marathon with her friends Kev and Emma Lane and all three ran in Bridgwater, mostly along the canal route to Taunton which is the path Miss Burt’s dad used to complete an annual sponsored walk with football teams he used to manage.

Together they have raised a total of £790 so far.

“Kev lost his mum to cancer 25 years ago this year. They have known both my parents for a long time and wanted to support the run and help raise money. Their son Cameron cycled the whole distance and kept us supplied with water, Lucozade and sweets,” said Miss Burt.
​
Donations to Miss Burt’s charity can still be made via the Virgin Money Giving website, search for ChrisBurtBridgwater