PUDDLETOWN students had a marathon experience thanks to one determined lady. 

Joanna Stoker, a teaching assistant at Puddletown First School, is taking part in this year’s London Marathon, and wants to inspire students to watch the event and get active.

The whole school experienced their own ‘mini marathon’ on the school’s running track last Friday, where pupils ran past markers with landmarks that Mrs Stoker will pass on the way, including Tower Bridge and The Houses of Parliament. 

The landmarks were painted by pupils in Year 2 who have recently covered a topic on London. 

Mrs Stoker held a morning assembly to talk about her training schedule. She told the pupils: “I’ve had to think carefully about what I eat, and following a training plan over the last 18 weeks to remain injury free.

“I’m hoping the atmosphere and encouragement from the spectators will help me get round a further 4 miles on the day.”

Mrs Stoker, who is a mother of three to Louis, 10, Ava, 8 and William, 6, will run the 26.3 miles on Sunday, April 23, and is hoping to have inspired pupils to watch the event and cheer her over the finish line. 

She said: “I’m thrilled that I’ve got this close to achieving my goal and delighted that the children have been able to follow my journey, not only my fitness journey but my fundraising challenge.”

Mrs Stoker is raising money for Calais Action, a direct-giving aid and advocacy group for refugees across Europe. 

At the end of the mini marathon, headteacher Mr Daniel Hunwick asked pupils if they might like to run a marathon one day, and over half the students raised their hands.

Daughter Ava, who took part in the event with her brother William, said: “We’re proud of Mummy and we’re really excited about going to London to watch her run the real marathon.” 

Mrs Stoker thanked other local schools who have held non uniform days to help raise money for Calais Action. 

St Osmund's Middle School, Piddle Valley First School, Milborne St Andrew First School, Winterbourne Valley First School and St Mary's First School in Dorchester have all contributed to Mrs Stoker's £2,000 fundraising total.

You can give to Calais Action via Joanna Stoker's webpage at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/joannastoker.