A member of staff at Lawn Manor Academy has gone the extra 26.2 miles by completing the iconic London Marathon while raising vital funds for Breast Cancer Now.
Lisa Quinn, Safeguarding and Partnership Officer at Lawn Manor Academy, took on this year’s event alongside 59,000 other runners, successfully crossing the finish line and surpassing her original fundraising target.
Running in support of Breast Cancer Now, Lisa initially aimed for £1,000, however has smashed her target and has raised over £1,700, which will fund research and support services for those affected by breast cancer.
Lisa, who’s a member of Swindon Allstars Running Club, explained: “I’m still on a real high after completing it. Knowing that I’m now part of the small percentage of people who have run a marathon makes it feel like a huge achievement. My legs are definitely aching, but nowhere near as much as I expected—they’re a small price to pay for such an incredible experience.
“I thought I might bring in a few hundred pounds, but to have raised over £1,700 – with more still coming in – is truly amazing. It means even more knowing it’s for a charity that’s so important to me and my family. Breast cancer has touched so many members of my family, and I’ve seen firsthand the impact it has on loved ones.
“This was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but also, aside from having my child, one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Having trained through what felt like one of the wettest winters, the heat on marathon day was also a real challenge and not something I’d fully anticipated.
“I completed my first 5km in many years in March 2025, which marked the start of this journey. After joining Swindon Allstars Running Club, I quickly found a real sense of support, camaraderie and friendship. The encouragement from the club has been instrumental in helping me reach this milestone and complete my first marathon.”
Russell Langdown, Headteacher at Lawn Manor Academy, added: “Lisa’s achievement is truly inspiring. Not only has she completed one of the world’s most challenging races, but she has also raised an incredible amount for an important cause. We are all very proud of her.”
Lawn Manor Academy is part of the Ascend Learning Trust. For more information on Lawn Manor Academy, visit www.lawnmanor.org.
