A TEACHER who ran the London Marathon for CLIC Sargent and in memory of his mother said he ‘thoroughly enjoyed’ the party atmosphere of the event, and has remarked on the kindheartedness of his Holsworthy students who have supported him.

Nathan Cox teaches at Holsworthy Community College and started raising money for the cancer charity that supports children and young people, after the sudden death of his mother, Linda, when Nathan was 15. Linda passed away from a brain aneurysm.

Nathan said: “Alongside the support of the crowd, it is the sentimental reasons for running the marathon that gets me across the finishing line each year. This is the fourth year that I have ran the London Marathon on behalf of the children’s cancer charity and people often ask why I do so. Aged 15, my mum suddenly passed away due to a brain aneurysm which inspired me to want to raise money to benefit those in need. Whilst my mum didn’t pass away from cancer, I have worked with young people since I can remember and I’ve met several truly astonishing and brave young people who have had first hand experience with it and so CLIC Sargent, for me, was the perfect fit. I continually stress to people that you don’t have to have experienced cancer yourself, or within your immediate family, in order to raise money to benefit the lives of others.”

As well as marathon day on Sunday, Friday also saw marathon efforts at Holsworthy Community College — more than 50 students and teachers took part in a 30 minute run to accumulate as many marathons as a collective group as possible in aid of CLIC Sargent.

Nathan added: “The students were fantastic and managed to raise a staggering £1,344 with money still coming in! Cumulatively, the students and teachers managed to run a massive 4.8 marathons (201,600 metres) in the time given!

“The way in which everyone pulled together to raise money and awareness for such a deserving charity showed me just how kind hearted and considerate the students here at Holsworthy Community College are. It is special moments like this that got me into teaching in the first place and why I love working with young people so much. They continue to amaze me by their generosity and enthusiasm to make the right life choices for the benefit of others in need and Friday showed what a credit these students are to their local community.”

Less than 48 hours later, it was Nathan’s turn to take up a position on the start line on behalf of CLIC Sargent in the Virgin London Marathon 2017.

Although not his first marathon, there was at one stage doubt as to whether he would be able to complete this year’s. Nathan, who plays football for LC Phoenix, said: “One month prior to the marathon I wasn’t sure if I would complete the 26.2 mile journey around the capital following a knee injury I had picked up in a football match which halted my training for three weeks. Fortunately the knee injury didn’t jeopardise the marathon attempt and I managed to get around the course in 3 hours and 20 minutes, 8 minutes short of a PB. I thoroughly enjoyed the race as per usual with the party like atmosphere getting me through those tougher moments from mile 20 and beyond.

“Reflecting on what has been a truly memorable few days, I must thank every student who took part, every person who has donated, and anyone else who has been supportive in this process for pulling together to make such a huge difference to CLIC Sargent in allowing them to carry out the fine work that they do.”

Nathan has raised more than £5,000 in the last four years for CLIC Sargent.

Anyone who wishes to donate to Nathan can do so by going to uk.virginmoneygiving.com, searching for Nathan Cox and clicking through to ‘Nathan’s CLIC Sargent fundraising page’.