There’s nothing quite like the first glimpse of the finish line when you have just covered 26.2 miles on foot.
Just ask SRC Bede Sixth Form teacher Andrew Featherstone. The 33-year-old was among those to complete the Virgin Money London Marathon.
With a personal target to reach the finish line in under four hours the Geography teacher, who is facing his own ongoing battle with ME, smashed his target with a race time of three hours, 49 minutes and 40 seconds.
Achieving a personal best by a massive 16 minutes he said: “I couldn’t believe it, I was over the moon. It was a fantastic day and I am so proud to have had the opportunity.”
A keen runner with Sedgefield Harriers Athletics Club this wasn’t the first time Andrew has tackled the marathon, but being diagnosed with ME in 2010, a disorder of the nervous system, took a toll on his running. To be able to train at marathon level once again marked a milestone.
Raising £450 for mental health charity Mind, SRC Bede Student Council’s chosen charity for the year, Andrew said: “It is amazing to able to interact with all those around you, the camaraderie is amazing as everyone supports each other.”
He added: “It is awe inspiring to think that I have once again made it to the finish line of one of the world’s biggest events.”