Lauren Takes On the 7in7 Marathon Challenge for MND

This week, Upper Sixth pupil, Lauren, is embarking on a 275 mile journey from Leeds to Edinburgh in 7 days. She will be running 4 ultra marathons and cycling 168 miles in order to raise funds for MND. Inspired by Kevin Sinfield’s 7 in 7 in 7 marathon challenge, Lauren is pushing herself to the extreme to raise awareness and funds for both the Doddie Weir Foundation and Rob Burrow Centre for MND.

Lauren has grown up watching Scotland Rugby with her Dad, following closely the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and naming her cocker spaniel after Doddie. Since the rugby player’s death, figures such as Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield have continued to work towards a cure. Recently, Kevin Sinfield finished a leg of his marathon challenge at York Minster, where our pupils supported and collected donations for MND.

Despite a serious knee injury last year, Lauren has been determined to make a difference and test her physical and mental strength. She has committed to training hard, eating properly and becoming as physically fit as possible.

Her plan will see a completion of 436.03km of running and cycling, beginning at Headingley Stadium and making it to Murrayfield Stadium by Day Seven. She will be joined by various members of staff, including Head of Sport, Chris McTurk, and Pastoral Deputy Head, Tracey Mounter. With her for the whole journey will be Paddy Stephen and her physio.

Day One will see Lauren run 43.94km (27.3 miles) from Headingley to St Peter’s School, York. Day Two includes a 100.61km (62.5 miles) cycle from St Peter’s to Rockcliffe Hall, before running on Day Three, 42.73km (26.5 miles) from Rockcliffe to The Graham Sports Centre. The journey continues on bike to Otterburn, stretching 89.55km (55.7 miles) and on Day Five, Lauren will reach Jedburgh on foot after 42.5km (26.4 miles). On Day Six, Lauren will complete her final bike ride to Middleton, which will take 73.98km (46.1 miles). On the Seventh and final day of the challenge, she will run 42.71km (26.5 miles) to Murrayfield Stadium before 4pm, ready for kick off of the Six Nations.

Lauren has already seen an outpour of support, from family and friends of the St Peter’s School community. Some familiar faces have also wished her luck, including MND Campaigner Kevin Sinfield, England Football Manager Gareth Southgate, Former Lions and Scotland Rugby Captain Gavin Hastings, Former Scotland Rugby Union Player Scott Hastings, England Cricket Player and Old Peterite Johnny Bairstow.

We are so proud of Lauren and her incredible determination to complete this challenge in the name of such a brilliant cause. If you would like to help Lauren to raise money, please follow her donation link here: Fundraiser by Lauren Wood : Lauren's 7in7 for MNDA and My Name'5 Doddie (gofundme.com)