My Story

I've worked in my current job for just over a year now. Until then, I never knew how devastating school absence could be on a kid's life chances.

Getting to know Power2 - who work in schools across England - brought home that days off mean more than just grades. Miss one day every fortnight? You earn £10,000 less 10 years on, you're 3X more likely to be a young offender, and twice as likely to fail GCSE English.

1.5 million kids are now missing one day of school per fortnight - up 40% since Covid. It's not flashy, but Power2 are doing the on-the-ground work to reverse this trend.

Their Teens and Toddlers programme is simple but fantastic. Secondary school students are paired with a younger child to mentor, giving them responsibility and purpose. They show up because someone is relying on them, and the younger kid gets that. Mentors are more confident, happier and less likely to be absent or excluded.

That’s why I’m running the London Marathon for Power2 this year. If the money raised can help even one more young person stay in school, feel valued, and build a different future, 26 miles is small change.

Thank you so much for anything you’re able to give.