A headteacher in Aylesbury completed a 70-mile ultra marathon as part of his ongoing fundraising efforts supporting a local charity.

Mike Pearse, headteacher at Ashmead Combined School, completed the 70-mile challenge on Saturday. He took on the famous ‘Wall’ race at the iconic Hadrian’s Wall site in the north east of England.

Mike took on the run to support an Aylesbury charity inspired by one of his students, Emmett's Genies. Named after Emmett O'Farrell, an Aylesbury student who was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer aged just two, it offers guidance and memorable experiences for critically ill and terminally ill children. Mike’s fundraising page can be found online here.

Completing the extended run was the final stage of Mike’s quadruple fundraising challenge. Mike has already completed a half marathon, a virtual London Marathon around the streets of Aylesbury in an impressive 3 hours and 26 minutes, and a half-ironman in just 5 hours and 55 minutes.

Mike Pearse is Headteacher at Ashmead Combined School and an Emmett's Genies ambassador

placeholder image — Mike Pearse is Headteacher at Ashmead Combined School and an Emmett's Genies ambassador

The charity revealed that Emmett has entered remission and attends the school in Aylesbury. He underwent intensive chemotherapy, major surgery and lengthy hospital stays, prior to getting the all clear.

Emmett’s Genies is designed to give families opportunities to create precious memories together, as well as offering practical advice to the families.

One of the charity's flagship projects is its annual Year in a Day event. Every September, 25 families affected by critical or terminal childhood illness are invited to experience an entire year of celebrations in just 24 hours. Families arrive on Saturday lunchtime and enjoy Valentine's Day, Easter, summer festivities, Halloween, Bonfire Night and Christmas before leaving on Sunday lunchtime.

This year's Year in a Day event will be hosted at Ashmead Combined School. The charity revealed that Mike stepped in to host the event after hearing the volunteer organisation’s usual venue was unavailable.

Mike teaches at the school attended by Emmett O'Farrell, whose battle with Stage 4 cancer at just two-and-a-half years old inspired the creation of Emmett's Genies.

Mike became an ambassador for Emmett's Genies last year. In previous years the headteacher has completed the London Marathon while raising money for the charity.

Amy Scullard, founder and chair of Emmett's Genies, said: "Mike has been an incredible supporter of Emmett's Genies and we are so proud to have him as one of our ambassadors.

"Not only has he been a wonderful teacher to Emmett, a fantastic role model to the children of Ashmead and an exceptional headteacher, he has also been incredibly supportive of our family and the charity. Throughout Emmett's time at the school, Mike has always shown genuine care and understanding, particularly around the ongoing hospital and oncology appointments that come with life after childhood cancer.

"When we discovered that we would be unable to use our usual venue for this year's Year in a Day event, Mike immediately stepped in and offered Ashmead Combined School free of charge. That generosity will make a huge difference to the 25 families who will attend our flagship event this September.

"His willingness to give up so much of his own time to raise money for the charity has been truly remarkable. It was an honour to cheer him on during the London Marathon two years ago, and this year we have watched in amazement as he has completed a half marathon, a virtual London Marathon in 3 hours and 26 minutes, and a half-ironman in 5 hours and 55 minutes.”