A primary school teacher is preparing to run the London Marathon while raising money for two causes that are especially important to him – his school and a charity that has supported his grandfather.
Matt Smith, who has worked at Bincombe Valley Primary School in Littlemoor for the past 10 years, is fundraising for Parkinson’s UK as well as the school’s PTA. So far, he has raised nearly £400 for the charity and more than £300 for the school, with donations continuing to come in.
The 38-year-old said it was difficult to choose just one cause, as both have played a significant role in his life and his family’s experience.
Speaking about the school, he said it holds a special place in his heart and has given him valuable experience and enjoyment throughout his teaching career. Funds raised for the PTA will go towards classroom resources, school trips, events such as discos, support for children with additional needs, and helping to fund extra teaching assistant hours where required.
He is also raising money for Parkinson’s UK, which has provided vital support to his grandparents, Arnold and Joyce Bibbings, who live in Newport, South Wales. His 89-year-old grandfather has Parkinson’s, and the charity’s help has reduced the strain on Matt’s mother, who had previously been travelling regularly from north Devon to assist with his care.
Matt said the charity has offered home support workers and group sessions to help people better understand the condition and maintain independence. For his grandfather, this has included exercises to help him stay mobile and carry out everyday tasks such as getting up, using the bathroom and sitting at the table.
He explained that this support has helped prevent the condition from becoming completely debilitating, allowing his grandfather to continue living as normally as possible despite the challenges.
Training for the marathon, which takes place on Sunday, April 26, has been demanding. Matt has been completing long runs around Dorchester, along the Ridgeway and through Weymouth. Now reaching distances of up to 22 miles, he said he feels physically ready, despite dealing with “runner’s knee” in both legs over the winter.
Matt, who lives in Charminster, said he is feeling confident and motivated ahead of the race.
He has also been encouraged by pupils and parents who have spotted him training around Preston and Littlemoor, often recognising his routes from screenshots of his running app. He said their support has been a big boost.
At home, his wife Lisa and their two children, Ivy and Ellis, have also been supportive, adapting family life around his training schedule. He joked that his wife is looking forward to the marathon being over, but understands the importance of what he is doing, adding that his family’s support has been “awesome”.
Matt secured his place in the London Marathon through the public ballot and is hoping for a final surge in donations from the local community ahead of race day.
