Bedales trailblazers

On a very wet Sunday morning (17 March), Bedales turned out an impressive 50 runners to participate in the Queen Elizabeth Country Park Trail Run. The team was made up of a cross-section of the School community - students, alumni, staff and parents - and there were some impressive individual performances. 

Bedales students came first in all the Under 20 categories in the 10km, 15km and 21km male and female events. Special mention goes to 14-year-old George Carter for also coming second in the adult 10k event, and Sixth Former Antonia Paterson who finished third in her adult 15km category.  Bedales Prep teacher Duncan Selmes completed the 21km event in 1 hour 26 minutes, securing him second place, and parent Sarah Galgey finished third in the 10km female category. Parent Chris Smart also won the popular 10km Canicross event in 34 minutes 23 seconds.  

The team has so far raised £5,200 for the John Badley Foundation Emergency Refugee Fund, supporting young people forced to leave their homes due to war and persecution. The Fund is currently providing Ukrainian and Afghan students with fully funded places at Bedales Prep and Senior schools, and has also recently supported young people from Syria.  

Head of Bedales Will Goldsmith commented:  

“Thank you to all the runners who chose to take on this challenge to support our Emergency Refugee Fund which is providing a safe and stable education for young people whose lives have been turned upside down. I am proud of the grit and determination shown by our team in the face of the extremely adverse conditions. We are so grateful for all the generous donations received so far, which will enable us to offer more help for displaced young people.”   

Donations are welcomed and can be made online here.