Tutors pass Marriotts Way trek test

Two Thorpe sixth form tutors put their best feet forward to conquer the Marriotts Way and support the fundraising drive in memory of a former pupil.

Dave Eaves and Tom Sparkes took on the 26-mile challenge to raise £600 so far for Muscular Dystrophy UK in memory of former student William Dewar (alumnus 2019), who inspired all with his courage and determination during his time at the school and college. Despite the daily challenges he faced, he achieved outstanding academic success. After leaving Sixth Form, William, pictured inset, went on to study sociology at University and graduated posthumously. He died aged 22 in June 2023.

“Our community is really important to us. Having been at Thorpe for nearly four years, this was made vividly clear when one of our senior leaders spoke so passionately about ‘being a Thorpie’ and how we do stick together,” said Dave.

“When our Sixth Form (Tom and I are both personal development tutors) unanimously decided to support Muscular Dystrophy UK as acknowledgement for the support they had given our former student William Dewar and his family, we felt compelled to do something, especially after his father, a long-standing member of staff and senior leader at our school. spoke about the impact the charity had on all of their lives.

“Therefore doing something was a given and Tom and I decided that the best way we could contribute was to do a walk.

“This started off as ‘doing most of Marriotts’ Way until we soon felt it was cheating and we should do the whole of it.

“With special thanks to our ‘Roadie’ Pete who crewed for us, we were able to do it in 7hrs, 14 mins and 18 seconds. Knowing our reason behind why we were doing this made each step easier. Even as we got past Drayton, despite being fuelled by ice cream, that stretch was ‘a bit’ of a challenge.

“So far we have managed to raise close to £600 which is in addition to our excellent student body who have raised more money through the other well-accepted method, bake sales.

“It really is something special to see how we have all been able to give back to a community that does so much for us.”

Head of upper sixth form Emma Algar said: “We are so proud of all our students and staff who have participated in charity events this academic year.

“We have now hosted all of our bake sales. Mr Bayston, Mr Higgins and Mr Sparkes’ PD groups raised just over £100 with their event.

“Overall, this means we have raised over £1300 for Muscular Dystrophy this year.

“We cannot be any prouder of what Thorpe Sixth Form students and staff have achieved.

“This money will go towards funding world-class research into effective treatments, and life-changing support for the 110,000 people in the UK living with a muscle-wasting condition.”

Anyone interested in donating can visit www.justgiving.com for details.