John Boothroyd, Paula Daly and Stuart Kennedy from local running group ‘Far Runners’, based in Faringdon, are taking on the challenge of running the London Marathon this weekend, on behalf of the Injury Minimization Programme for Schools (I.M.P.S.). 

I.M.P.S. which is part of Oxford Hospitals Charity, relies on donations and fundraising to teach Oxfordshire primary school children first aid skills, and a better awareness of risk. 

One of the runners Paula Daly said: ‘I’m delighted to be running the London Marathon and raising money for I.M.P.S. All three of my children have benefitted from this vital training programme in Year 6 and during my teaching in Oxfordshire, I’ve been lucky to experience this invaluable course first hand. ‘I started casually running and soon after discovered Parkrun. Since then I’ve joined two running clubs, and completed many half marathons and this will be my fifth marathon to date. ‘The London marathon has always been a dream of mine and I feel honoured to be raising money for I.M.P.S. to help train more young potential life savers!’ 

As well as a rigorous training regime, Paula and the other runners have also spent hours putting together a scavenger hunt around the town of Faringdon with the landlord and landlady of the Swan Pub kindly offering them the use of the pub for a cake sale and lunch to raise further money for their campaign. 

Debbie Lock, Coordinator at I.M.P.S lives in Faringdon and I.M.P.S takes place in many of the schools in and around the area. 

She commented, ‘We are thrilled that John, Stuart and Paula are running the London marathon for I.M.P.S. The money they raise means we can continue to teach essential lifesaving skills and injury prevention to children from all over Oxfordshire. We wish them all the best for their marathon on Sunday.’ 

If you would like to support the Far Runners fundraising efforts click on their JustGiving page here, they would appreciate your help in raising as much money for the I.M.P.S as they can. 

MORE INFO ABOUT I.M.P.S: 

I.M.P.S. empowers young people to take personal responsibility for their own risk management and equips them with the skills to cope in an emergency situation. 

Unintentional injury is a leading cause of death and illness in young people with many injuries being preventable. The programme is designed to provide children with a greater awareness of the hazards around them to help prevent accidents and injuries. 

It also teaches children the fundamentals of first aid, from treating burns and cuts to CPR, the recovery position and how to use an AED. Targeted at Oxfordshire school children aged 10 and 11 years, I.M.P.S is helping prevent these tragic yet avoidable injuries. To find out more about I.M.P.S.click here