401 Marathons in 401 Days; Ben Smith visits HSMS

On Friday 1^st February, pupils were treated to a visit from Ben Smith of the 401 Foundation.  Ben is well known for running 401 marathons in 401 days to raise money and awareness for any-bullying charities.  Ben supported our eager cross country runners with their lunch-time run and then spoke to KS3 in the afternoon.  Pupils found out a bit about Ben's life and how he found it really hard to be himself and the impact that had on his mental health.  After suffering a life-changing stroke, Ben vowed to change the way he lived his life - he decided to be honest and true with himself about how he was and what made him happy.  The journey to self-love and happiness ultimately led him to running.  He now runs to raise money and awareness to support inclusion, diversity and equality initiative and to help other people to 'find their happy'.

Ben's work supported our termly value (Endurance), our weekly virtue (acceptance) and our careers and employability work (CDI: How can I learn from my disappointment and what can I do when my original plan doesn't work out)

Thank you Ben.