Miles of Determination Across the RGS Community

Several members of staff from across RGS Worcester have recently completed marathon challenges, raising thousands of pounds for charity while inspiring pupils through their determination, commitment and positivity.

Deputy Head Pastoral, Mrs Juliana Atyeo, completed the Manchester Marathon on Sunday 19 April, raising almost £2,000 for the British Heart Foundation. Reflecting on the experience, Mrs Atyeo spoke about the powerful sense of achievement that came from months of training and perseverance, alongside the generosity shown by colleagues, friends and family in supporting her fundraising efforts.

Mrs Atyeo has since shared her experience with pupils in assemblies, encouraging them to believe in what they can achieve through hard work and determination. She said: “Training for and completing the marathon taught me that with determination and hard work, I can achieve so much more than I might have previously believed possible. This is the message for everyone: you get to choose who you are, what matters to you and, if you put the work in, you can achieve anything.”

Teacher of Spanish and Assistant Head of Year, Mr Sam Oakey, also completed the Manchester Marathon, achieving an impressive time of 3:22:49 and significantly improving upon his previous marathon performances. Mr Oakey described the experience as a reminder of what can be achieved through consistency and commitment, while balancing training alongside becoming a father this year.

Looking ahead, he now hopes to complete the Seville Marathon next February in under three hours. Reflecting on the challenge, he shared: “Life is more enjoyable when there’s a challenge and a goal, and even more rewarding when you have someone to share that with.”

Meanwhile, Assistant Head of Year Seven, Teacher of Mathematics and Section Leader i/c the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Miss Shannon Baker, completed the London Marathon in 5 hours and 13 minutes, raising more than £4,000 for Alzheimer’s Society.

Describing the day as “a really incredible experience”, Miss Baker reflected on the encouragement she received throughout the course and thanked the RGS community for its overwhelming support with fundraising. She also spoke about the importance of patience and persistence when working towards long-term goals, something she regularly encourages in pupils through both teaching and Duke of Edinburgh activities.

These fantastic achievements reflect months of dedication, early mornings and countless training miles from all involved. Congratulations to Mrs Atyeo, Mr Oakey and Miss Baker on their marathon success and for representing the RGS community so brilliantly.