First time runner Rachel Blain met, and ran, with pupils at Kisharon Noé School before the Royal Parks Half Marathon on Sunday.

Rachel, above, who took up running at the start of the pandemic and finished in 2hrs 28seconds, said: “Meeting some of the pupils made it all the more special. I ran for the people Kisharon supports and staff I met, and could not be prouder.”

Another runner on the route, which takes in the capital’s world-famous landmarks and four of London’s eight Royal Parks – Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James’s Park and Kensington Gardens, was Ari Blum. He said:  “Having been involved in the charity in the past, both as volunteer and employee, I have seen for myself just how important their work is. It was my honour to take a few hours of pain to the legs to help them keep doing what they do.”

Former special needs teacher, Linda Lazarus, pictured top, centre, celebrating her 70th birthday in December said: “This is the 4th time I’ve supported Kisharon; one London Marathon and three Royal Parks Half Marathons. Kisharon inspires me to continue raising funds for this incredible cause. The amazing facilities, education and support for these special children and their families is an inspiration.”

Other Kisharon runners in the half marathon were Robert Botkai, Suzanne Weiniger, Michael Bibring, Miranda Shemen, Danielle Donne and Gav Noe.

One week earlier, at the London Marathon, runners Shlomi Rokach, Simon Lazarus, Gavriel Debson, David Wajsman, Yanky Vogel, Levi Degroen and Vic Aboudara raised more than £20K for Kisharon.

And, last month the generosity of businessman Roger Walters – founder and chairman of Supercity Aparthotels – helped Kisharon raise £8K at the 54-mile London to Brighton Cycle Ride. Roger signed up a staff team of 11 riders, who raised £5.5K. The company offers serviced apartments in London, Brighton and Manchester.

Kisharon Events and Challenges Executive, Samantha McLeod, pictured top right with Shlomi and Challenge Events Manager Ian Tate, said: “Taking on challenges such as these and fundraising helps ensure we can keep our vital services going for the people we support.”

For more information about challenges in the year ahead, please contact the team at: challenges@kisharon.org.uk