Luke Stacey, alternative provision leader at Lawn Manor School, is embarking on his first ever ultra-marathon event – running a 100km trail in memory of former pupil, Olivia Stone.
Olivia passed away in April 2020 from a brain tumour and the intrepid teacher is taking part in Race to the Stones 2021; a two day event where participants walk, run or jog a 100km route along the Ridgeway, finishing at the iconic Avebury Stones, raising money for Helen & Douglas House.
Helen & Douglas House children’s hospice provides care for babies and children in Oxfordshire and surrounding counties. It’s a comforting place where families can enjoy creating happy memories together in their child’s last days, weeks, months or years, and it’s where 13-year-old Olivia and her family spent a month leading up to Olivia’s death.
Donna Stone, Olivia’s mum comments: “Luke is an incredible guy who played a big part in Liv’s final days, taking her on the school skiing trip just a month before she died, going above and beyond what was required and creating such happy memories.
“I’m humbled that Luke is taking on this challenge for Liv in aid of the hospice. Helen & Douglas House is a remarkable, amazing charity which helped us make every last day of Liv’s life a positive day, and allowed me to focus on being Liv’s mum instead of a carer for those last few weeks.”
Luke comments: “I am a keen fitness enthusiast and every couple of years I try and find a new challenge to attempt, to test myself and to make sure I can still do things. A friend messaged me at the start of the year about the Ultra Marathon and coincidently, I had been reading about it a day or so before. A small group of us registered and have been training ever since.
“I got to know Liv really well on the school ski trip to Italy. She had the most amazing time. The part I will never forget was when I was helping her with learning the basics, she skied us both uncontrollably into another ski school! She somehow stayed up on her skis while I took out several other children. Very embarrassing for me, whilst she was in absolute stitches with laughter. The laugh and her smile was just so infectious.
“After the sad news of her passing, it didn’t take long for me to put the plans in place to complete this race in aid of Helen & Douglas House. They have been so brilliant in supporting Liv, Donna and the whole family. If I can raise just a small amount of money for this great charity, then I’ll be so happy. I just have to remember that when I hit the wall at the 50 mile mark.”
Helen & Douglas House needs to find £3.6 million each year to keep the hospice open. Every donation makes a big difference to the help that can be offered to terminally ill children and their families.
Race to the Stones takes place on the 10th and 11th July 2021 and at the time of writing, Luke had raised an impressive £685 for Helen & Douglas House and hopes to raise £1000 in total.
Luke’s Just Giving page is: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lstacey
