On Sunday 24 April, super-fit grandad, Ian Carey (72), will be running a marathon to raise money for Valley Invicta Primary School at Leybourne Chase.

The idea for the ‘Galloping Grandads School Run’ fundraiser came to Ian as he powered through the last few miles of the London Marathon in October 2021.

He said: “At the time, I was running for a charity and thought it would be a good idea to run another but raising funds for a cause much closer to home - both literally and metaphorically. Both of my grandchildren are pupils at Leybourne Chase and we have been very impressed by the ethos of the school, particularly when it comes to healthy living in terms of physical fitness and being aware of, and protecting, the environment. I thought it would be a nice idea to raise some money which could be put towards the purchase of sports and games equipment for the school, and to enhance the outside environment by introducing wildlife friendly areas, nest boxes, tree planting and so on.”

The fundraising run will be a full marathon – 26.2 miles – and anyone is invited to join in from 9.30am, for some or all of the route, which will take participants on two circuits around Leybourne Chase, Leybourne Lakes, Birling, Ryarsh and Addington.

There will be a cheer point at the Duke of Wellington pub in Ryarsh so even those not running or walking can still take part in the event.

Ian will be accompanied by members of his running club, as well as Leybourne Chase teacher Mitch Holt and Headteacher Nicola Craig.

Mrs Craig said: “We are absolutely delighted and very grateful that Ian has come up with this brilliant idea to raise money for our school. We can’t wait to get involved and we are hoping to have a barbecue after the event to say thank you to everyone who is supporting the run.”

Ian already has eight marathons under his belt – five of those were London Marathons.