Former Meath and Dawn House Pupil to Run The London Marathon in Aid of Speech and Language UK

Anthony Hornby, a former pupil of both Speech and Language UK’s Meath School and Dawn House School, is set to run the London Marathon in aid of Speech and Language UK – a charity that supports children with talking and understanding words.

This will be the sixth time Anthony has run a marathon, as he has run the London Marathon twice before as well as the Dublin, Manchester and Loch Ness marathons.

When asked why he is supporting Speech and Language UK, Anthony said:

“Before I went to Meath School, it wasn’t easy for me to make friends or tell people what I was thinking or feeling. Soon, however, I made friends at Meath and those friends are still the ones I talk to today. My favourite subject in school was PE and I enjoyed taking part in it. When I got older, I left Meath, and went to Dawn House. The teachers from both schools were really helpful and they taught me loads of amazing stuff to help me in the future.  When I left school at the age of 19, I was in tears about how much I was going to miss it, as I really enjoyed my time there.

I have decided to do the London Marathon once again for Speech and Language UK to say thanks for all the help they gave to me when I was a pupil. Running 26 miles is not easy but running the London Marathon is a fantastic way to help them. I hope to raise more money in the future.”

Anthony is being supported with his training by Maidenhead Athletic Club. They have provided Anthony with a personalised training programme to get him ready for the 2023 London Marathon.

Jane Harris, Speech and Language UK Chief Executive said: 

“It is a truly remarkable feat that Anthony is undertaking. Over recent years children’s education throughout the UK has been severely disrupted by Covid, the lockdowns and now the cost of living crisis. We are incredibly grateful to Anthony for once again going the extra mile by running the London Marathon to help Speech and Language UK ensure that all children’s voices are heard.” 

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Notes to editors

Would you like to support children Speech and Language UK by taking on a bit of challenge?

Visit our Sporting Events page to find out more.

For media enquiries, please contact Simon Walsh, Press Manager, Speech and Language UK via media@speechandlanguage.org.uk