Local mum runs 62 half marathons in 62 days raising thousands for a ‘very special school’

Laura is a regular fundraiser for Killard House School, but this has been her biggest challenge to date, running over 800 miles on a treadmill in the Bangor Aurora gym, and so far raising over £4,000 for the local SEN school.

Laura's original plan was to beat the previous best for this challenge - 60 days of consecutive half marathons on a treadmill by a female. Runner Haya Al Fares hit that number in 2024.

But since running her 61st half marathon on March 31st, Laura has decided to keep on going. She's now at 62, but is hoping to knock out a few more before her legs decide enough is enough.

Laura is putting herself through this marathon ordeal to support a small school in Donaghadee, which has a big impact on the local community.

Laura said:

“On the Killard House website, it describes itself as a ‘very special school’, and I couldn’t agree more! My beautiful daughter, Luna, is autistic, non-verbal and requires a lot of support, not just from an educational perspective but for all aspects of self-care, such as washing, dressing and feeding. I’m always so grateful and impressed by the staff at Killard for how much dignity, respect and love they show our kids and so I wanted to do something that would not only raise money for them, but also shine a light on the amazing work they do to support over 200 local SEN children.

“I’m so grateful to everyone who’s contributed to my fundraising page so far, and I’d particularly like to say a huge thank you to the team at Bangor Aurora and all the customers who have cheered me on throughout this challenge.

Claire Kerr, Principal at Killard House School added:

“Laura has always been a wonderfully supportive advocate for our school community and this year, with the relaunch of our Parent and Staff Association, Laura has thrown herself into active partnership with school with the commitment and energy that she brings to everything that she does. 

“When we became aware however of this fundraising effort, we were truly astounded.  There was that ‘rabbit in the headlights’ moment when the School Leadership Team and I couldn’t quite take in what Laura was doing on behalf of the school.  We are so grateful, it is hard to put into words what a gift such as this, regardless of the money raised, does for us as a school.  Laura, this is an amazing achievement, thank you.  We are so proud of you!”

Iain Greenway, chair of the Northern Community Leisure Trust, which manages the Aurora, Bangor Sportsplex and Queens Leisure Complex on behalf of the local council, said:

“Running one half marathon would be enough for most people, but to complete 61 consecutively is quite incredible. We’re all very proud of you, Laura.

To support Laura’s fundraising efforts, please visit her GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/half-marathon-streak-for-killard-house-school

Bangor Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex, Bangor Sportsplex and Queens Leisure Complex are operated by Northern Community Leisure Trust in partnership with Serco Leisure, and on behalf of Ards & North Down Borough Council.