A member of staff at Lawn Manor Academy has gone the extra mile by completing the London Marathon while raising vital funds for Breast Cancer Now.
Lisa Quinn, Safeguarding and Partnership Officer at the school, took on the 26.2-mile challenge alongside around 59,000 runners, successfully crossing the finish line and exceeding her original fundraising goal.
Running in support of Breast Cancer Now, Lisa initially set out to raise £1,000 but has already brought in more than £1,700, with donations still coming in. The funds will support research and provide help for those affected by breast cancer.
Lisa said, “I’m still on a real high after completing it. Knowing that I’m now part of the small percentage of people who have run a marathon makes it feel like a huge achievement. My legs are definitely aching, but nowhere near as much as I expected – they’re a small price to pay for such an incredible experience.”
She added, “I thought I might bring in a few hundred pounds, but to have raised over £1,700, with more still coming in, is truly amazing. It means even more knowing it’s for a charity that’s so important to me and my family. Breast cancer has touched so many members of my family, and I’ve seen firsthand the impact it has on loved ones.”
Reflecting on the challenge, Lisa said the journey began just over a year ago. “I completed my first 5km in many years in March 2025, which marked the start of this journey. After joining Swindon Allstars Running Club, I quickly found a real sense of support, camaraderie and friendship. The encouragement from the club has been instrumental in helping me reach this milestone and complete my first marathon.”
She also described the physical demands of race day. “This was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but also, aside from having my child, one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Having trained through what felt like one of the wettest winters, the heat on marathon day was also a real challenge and not something I’d fully anticipated.”
Headteacher Russell Langdown praised Lisa’s efforts, saying, “Lisa’s achievement is truly inspiring. Not only has she completed one of the world’s most challenging races, but she has also raised an incredible amount for an important cause. We are all very proud of her.”
Lawn Manor Academy is part of the Ascend Learning Trust.
