Poppy smashes marathon to raise money for sick children

PAST pupil and talented athlete Poppy Harrison raised nearly £4,000 for the charity WellChild when she completed the London Marathon in four hours 26 minutes.

The former RGS boarding student, who left RGS in 2021, was inspired by her mother, who flew in from the family home in Italy so they could race together.

Both raised money for the same charity, which supports families with sick children, ensuring they can be looked after at home.

Poppy, studying biochemistry at the University of Bath, is currently on a work placement with a branch of the pharmaceutical company Glaxo Smith Kline, which is matching her fundraising total of more than £1,900.

The keen tennis player and rower confessed she had stomach problems around 25km: “It was really tough, but I just kept pushing through and got to the end. It was such an emotional day and the support of the crowd and doing it for such a good cause is what kept me going.”

“WellChild children’s nurses provide essential care and practical support to children and young people requiring long-term or complex care. They play a crucial role in enabling children to leave hospital and be cared for at home, reducing the practical, emotional and financial impact for families,” said Poppy.

“The charity is also committed to funding high quality, innovative projects designed to have a positive impact for seriously ill children both now and in the future, such as bedroom and garden makeovers.”

*See Poppy’s fundraising link here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/poppy-harrison03