Former students set to run marathon in memory of school friend

A group of former school students are set to compete in the MBNA Chester Marathon on Sunday 6 October in order to raise funds for our school charity The Jamie Horrocks Trust; a trust that was set up in memory of their much-loved school friend Jamie Horrocks.

Jamie, a former academy student, Irlam FC player and firefighter, sadly decided to take his own life in 2013. A charity was launched in Jamie’s memory in 2013, evolving out of the 2012 Call to Action for Suicide Prevention in England. The Jamie Horrocks Trust’s work aims to complement the Government’s strategy, as each year more than 6,000 people take their lives in the UK, with male suicide rates currently being the highest since 2001. 

Amongst the group of five former students running the 26.2-mile historic Chester route is Irlam and Cadishead Academy Head of Physical Education, Gary Prescott.

Gary told us why he and the team are adamant to complete the race. He said “The Jamie Horrocks Trust have done, and continue to do, some amazing work in raising awareness of mental health in our local community. As Jamie’s friends we hope to support the trust by raising as much money as possible. We are in the stages of a gruelling 16-week programme and after many early mornings, late nights and many miles we finally find ourselves ready (or ready as can be) to tackle the 26.2 miles on race day.

“We remember Jamie as a keen footballer and runner who lived his life with a huge smile. We are sure he’s going to be looking over us all through the many miles and will be urging us on to complete the race. Knowing Jamie, he will no doubt be having a chuckle at us all throughout."  

Everyone at Irlam and Cadishead Academy is very proud, and we wish the very best of luck to Mr Prescott and the rest of the team in finishing the race. We would be ever so grateful if you could show your support of The Jamie Horrocks Trust, our selected school charity, by sponsoring each of them via their JustGiving page. We hope you can support their endeavours by clicking here.