News Ten marathons in 10 days


BEARSTEDmumDonna Fitzpatrick will be taking on the challenge of a lifetime in May when she runs 10 marathons in 10 days in Cumbria’s Lake District.


A frequent sight in the village, running with her cocker spaniel, Bess, Donna will cover 262 miles for charity. “It’s going to be inWindermere.


So, very hilly, but pretty,” says the 46-year-old, from The Orchard, who describes herself as a regular mumwho’s taken part in a few fun runs. “I have never taken part in any-


thing this crazy before and I am petrified; I have felt sick and slightly hysterical since getting the call saying I had been accepted,” says the mum of Jess (16) and Harry (12).


Unfortunately, her faithful run-


ning companion will not be al- lowed to join her, although Donna hopes the organisers may let her run alongside her for part of the last leg. Donna said: “My running part-


School must try harder


A SHEPWAY school has been told by a Government inspector that in spite of progress, more needs to be done to improve standards. The visit to Molehill Primary Academy in Hereford Road follows an overall rating of inadequate at its previous inspection. In its latest Ofsted report, the in- spector found that while leadership and management at Molehill were nowgood, the school’s overall rating of “requires improvement” included the quality of its teaching and pupils’ behaviour. The report noted that progress by


pupils varied from class to class and by the end of year 6, standards in reading, writing and mathematics were too low and too few reached the higher levels of attainment. It added that while teaching had improved: “The quality of teaching is not consistently good or better across the academy because not all teachers have high expectations.” While the executive principal, sen-


ior leaders and governors had worked effectively and made signif- icant changes, the report said: “Work is sometimes notdemanding enough to challenge the most able pupils so they do not always achieve aswell as they could.” It noted that the number of inci-


dents of poor behaviour had been reduced considerably and staffwere determined to provide the best pos- sible learning for pupils.


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www.downsmail.co.uk Maidstone East April 2016


ner isn’t too happy that I amgoing to do this without her. She is a great companion and joins me on every run, no matter how long, short, cold, wet or hot and her tail never stops.” She says friends who have taken


part in the Brathay 10-10 challenge, and a video diary, have given her an insight into the challenge. “After following the run for the


last two years, for some mad reason I felt inspired to enter. It looks awe- inspiring and it is for a very good cause.” The Brathay Trust’s run, which


raises money to support and in- spire youngsters who have had dif- ficulties in their life, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Donna said: “Preparing has been


tough. By mid-February I amgoing to be back up to marathon distance. Then there will be back to back run-


ning days. The main aim is to get to the starting point with- out injury.” And as for her calorie intake? She replies: “For the first time ever I can eat, and eat, and eat vir- tually whatever I like. The really daunting thing is that when the chal- lenge starts we have to eat a minimum 6,000 calories a day to be able to con- tinue.” You can support Donna’s efforts by visiting the Just Giv- ing website, and searching for Donna Fitzpatrick.


Women’s charity climb for cancer


FIVE Maidstone women are raising money for two charities as a practicalway of dealing with an illness that has hit their family. Theywill take part in a three peaks challenge to fund research by The Brain Tumour Charity and support fromMarie Curie Cancer Care. Chloe Loy (18), whosemum


Jenniferwas diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2011, will join her aunt Kay Irving (41) and her daughters Alice (20) and Sophie (18), along with cousin Tina Salt (31), who lost her dadMartyn Ridd to pancreatic cancer, aged 56. Chloe, who works in retail in the


town and lives inWestmorland Road, Shepway, said: “My aunt and cousins have organised charity nights with auctions in the past and Sophie and Kay did a bungy jump in 2014, but this is like nothingwe have done before.” Tina, who owns the Midnight


Flower florist in Hanson Drive, added: “We’ve all been affected by these conditions and ifwe can give


From left, Sophie Irving, Tina Salt, Kay Irving, Chloe Loy and Alice Irving


another family the help and support they need or prevent them from having to go through it altogether, it’ll be worth it. The fact thatwe’re doing this together will keep us all going and help us push each other on to the finish. “My dad came fromYorkshire, so it


seems right that this is where our first big challenge is.” The girls will be climbing Pen-y-


Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough – a challenge that should take about 12 hours. Sophie, who lives in Tarragon Road


and works at Tesco Express, said: “Doing the challenge as a family will motivateme to keep going and it will be a constant reminder of why we are doing it. Both of these charities need funds for research and support purposes so that other families don’t have to suffer likewe did and still are.” They are already busy training for


their challenge in August, at the gym and withwalks eachweek at Mote Park. Sponsor them at www.mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/t hreepeakss


School’s wartime life recorded Charity walk


THE former head of Maidstone Girls’ Grammar is looking for memories from former pupils for a book she is writing about the school during the war.


Mary Smith (right) has been asked by the school to compile the book, using wartime illus- trations painted by former art teacher Miss Keen. Mrs Smith said: “If you think you may be able to help, even if your knowledge of the time seems insignificant to you, please get in touch.” Email central@mggs.org, marking your subject for the attention of Mary Smith.


WALKERS wishing to raise money for charity are invited to join the North Downs Walk on Sunday, June 16. The walk starts from Harrietsham


Village Hall at 8am, with a choice of three, six or nine-mile routes. For details go to www.weald- ofkentrotary.org.uk. Walkers can give half their sponsorship money to a charity of their choice, with the rest going to Cancer Research UK.


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