Felsted head and parent complete charity running challenge

Head Chris Townsend took on the Goggins 4x4x8 challenge alongside Simone Gubbins, who has two daughters at Felsted Prep.

Simone - a keen sportswoman - was inspired to take on the challenge after reading both books by American ultramarathon runner David Goggins, and said she likes to challenge herself each year with a new fitness goal, race or event.

The pair completed 12 four-mile runs in 48 hours - which meant running every four hours, day and night.

Chris and Simone celebrating the completion of their challenge at Felsted School (Image: Felsted School) Cheered on by pupils and parents, Chris and Simone set off from the prep school at 1pm on Friday, September 13 and returned to the school's main cricket pitch by 10am on Sunday, September 15.

They managed to complete all 12 runs - including the Great Notley Park Run on Saturday morning.

Chris said: "This was a huge personal challenge for both of us, testing us physically, but even more so, challenging us mentally to keep going when things get tough.

"We were greatly spurred on by the support of the Felsted community and the thought that we were raising money for one of the most important charities supported by the school, YoungMinds, which creates change so that children and young people can cope with life’s adversities, find help when needed and succeed in life."

Chris and Simone warm up with Felsted Prep pupils in preparation for their challenge (Image: Felsted School) Through sponsorship, Chris and Simone raised more than £4,448 for the charity.

Simone said:" I am so proud that we have raised over £4,448 for the provision of mental health services for young people.

"Thank you to Chris for agreeing to and sharing this experience with me, and to the many local supporters and runners who carried us along the way."

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Throughout the year Felsted supports numerous good causes, selected by pupils who initiate and run fundraising activities.

These range from sponsored 24-hour trampolining, school fetes and bake sales to sponsored runs, colour runs and marathons.

Two Felsted sixth formers also recently took on a gruelling 106km ultramarathon in the Lake District in aid of the Armed Forces charity SSAFA.