SEVEN dedicated teachers from Sutton Academy battled through the Liverpool marathon helping to raise money for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, writes Chris Riches.

After months of training the teachers took on the big challenge and helped raise an impressive £728 for the hospital.

At 10.20am the seven runners including assistant vice-Principal Robbie Owens and colleagues Anthony Albrecht, Mike Bate, Mike Dwyer, Rob Hughes, Paul Lane and Laura Tickle pounded the streets of Liverpool taking between three hours 50 and seven hours 40 to complete their journey.

The runners began their journey in Birkenhead and then travelled down the waterfront, through the Mersey Tunnel and city centre before reaching the pier head, during which time they received support off staff, family and friends.

Robbie (38) said: “All the training that we completed prior to the marathon really paid off as we all managed to finish and no one received any injuries.

“The race was so difficult though. We all supported each other and received encouragement throughout the race and everyone just seemed to push on and get through it.”

Alder Hey Children’s Hospital is close to Sutton Academy’s hearts as Robbie explained: “As a school we know a lot of families and have students that rely on the hospital.

“Hopefully with the money raised we can help make a difference and help the hospital in their goal of raising £500,000 for the new children’s health park.”

Sutton Academy runners now plan to complete the Liverpool Triathlon in June next year.

Donations for Alder Hey from the Marathon are still being accepted and anyone wishing to donate can still do so by visiting justgiving.com/robert_hughes.