Under the sweltering heat last weekend, a head teacher completed the London marathon for the Great Ormond Street Hospital(GOSH).

Paul Girardot, head teacher of Stoke Fleming primary school, completed his third marathon last weekend in London to raise money on behalf of a child at the school.

His decision to raise money for GOSH was inspired by a child at the school who is currently under the hospitals care. Everyday 618 children and young people from across the UK arrive at GOSH, where doctors and nurses battle the most complex illnesses and the brightest minds come together to achieve pioneering medical break throughs.

The hospital has always been dependent on charitable support to give seriously ill children the best chance to fulfil their potential.

So far, Paul has raised about £2000 but is hopeful that this number will grow after the scarecrow trail festival which is being held on Sunday, April 29. Proceeds from the event will be going to GOSH, plus Stoke Fleming Primary School and village charities in aid of the fifth anniversary of the event.

“The race was very hot, but also enjoyable” explained Paul. “The crowds were amazing, with the whole course being rammed with spectators.

“Compared to when I did my first marathon in 2009, so many more people were out to cheer on the runners, perhaps inspired after the Olympics.”

At Paul’s previous school, he used to work a few hundred yards away from the GOSH and many of his pupils were undergoing treatment there.

On his JustGiving page he said: “As parents, carers and people who are involved with children we can fully appreciate the need for help and support through charities like this to ensure when children do become seriously ill there are the facilities and staff to help support them.

“I have long since admired the wonderful work GOSH do and feel privileged to be in a position to be able to support this wonderful charity.”

Paul also said he hoped his marathon adventure would “inspire others” to exercise and live a healthy lifestyle.

In aid of Paul’s fund raising, he allowed the children at Stoke Fleming to design a haircut which he had styled for school on the day they had planned a sponsored assault course. On the day of the assault course, the children dressed up as superheroes and they all managed to raise over £500.

To donate to Paul’s JustGiving page search for Paul Girardot on the JustGiving website or go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paul-girardot2017.