Mum to run first half marathon for children’s school

A WOMAN from Henley is to run a half marathon for the first time in aid of her children’s school.

Linda Winder, 45, will take part in the Oxford half marathon on Sunday to raise money for Sacred Heart Primary School, where Willow, nine, and Melody, six, are pupils.

She said she was particularly impressed by the school following her and husband Richard’s move to Highlands Park from London in January.

Mrs Winder, brand and communications director at Visa, said: “We are quite new to the area and were living in Sweden before covid. We found Sacred Heart when we moved and I was really impressed with the school in terms of its community, parents and children. The parents really get involved in the school and I wanted to help and give back. That’s why I thought of running and doing it for the school.

“We’re not Catholic but the values-led way the school is run in terms of respect and kindness to individuals plus its academic side meant it was a brilliant discovery and I was so pleased.

“I liked how everybody was getting involved in things like school discos and ‘TLC’ days where the parents go in and help tend the grounds.” Mrs Winder said she was excited about the race, despite having never taken part in any event like it before. “I’m looking forward to the atmosphere,” she said.

“I came to running recently and didn’t run at all before I was 40. I could barely run any distance. I wanted to challenge myself to do something like this and it has been quite hard in terms of training.

“I’m mentally preparing myself in terms of thinking: ‘I can do this’ and trying to enjoy it. I’m looking forward to big hugs from my girls afterwards.”

Mrs Winder has so far raised £645, surpassing her target of £500.

She said: “The support from the community and the school and colleagues has been really fantastic. When I initially spoke to the headteacher about it, she said there were some things like essential IT equipment and playground renovations which the money will go to.”

Headteacher Rachel Sanders said: “We have extremely suppportive parents and Linda is quite literally going the extra mile. We wish her all the very best and will be there to cheer her on.”

To donate to Mrs Winder via JustGiving, visit: https://tinyurl.com/mtxhtbv3