London Marathon Sunday 21st April 2024 – OW Runners in aid of the Prince Albert Foundation (PAF) Scholarship programme.
21 March 2024
In April we are celebrating 165 years of OW Giving at Wellington College and as part of this we are thrilled to announce that we have two OWs Oscar Chambers (Hg 17) and Francesca Sweet (W 22) running this year’s London Marathon, which were kindly donated by a current Wellington parent which takes place on Sunday 21st April.
Our OW runners have been asked a few questions about their time at Wellington and why they decided to be involved in OW giving this coming April and run the London Marathon for PAF.
Francesca Sweet (W 22)
What is your favourite memory from Wellington?
“My favourite memory from Wellington was the sport, it offers such a wide variety of facilities and coaches that it was made easy to get stuck in since third form. Especially rackets and real tennis, and cricket in L6 and U6th!”
Why do you want to run the London Marathon and in aid of the PAF programme? What made you want to get involved?
“I have always wanted to run the London Marathon and when the opportunity came up to run for the Prince Albert Foundation, I was pleased to be able to be involved with such an important programme. I support what it is doing to offer fully funded places and would love to help in any way that I can.”
Can you tell us a ‘Fun Fact’ about yourself?
“I can juggle 5 balls! (Not for very long)”
Oscar Chambers (Hg 17)
What is your favourite memory from Wellington?
“Leading our school’s first entry in over a decade into the National Drills Competition through the Combined Cadet Force was an unparalleled experience. It wasn’t just about the competition; it was about embracing ambitious spirits and seizing opportunities. Without Wellington, I might never have discovered my potential for leadership or developed the resilience that has been so crucial in every aspect of my life. It taught me to see challenges as opportunities to grow and to lead with ambition and integrity.”
Why do you want to run the London Marathon and in aid of the PAF programme? What made you want to get involved?
“Transitioning from a background in rowing, swimming, and cycling, I often quipped it was high time I started supporting my own body weight. My journey into the world of running kicked off more out of necessity than passion. Amidst the demanding pace of my legal career and studies, finding time for exercise and stress relief became crucial. Running became my solace and strategy—my way of carving out moments in the day not just for physical health, but for mental clarity. It’s in these runs that I find the space to think, to breathe, and to unravel the complexities of both work and life.
This newfound passion led me to an unexpected challenge: running a marathon (and now ultramarathons…). It wasn’t just about setting a personal goal; it was about embodying the resilience and determination I’ve honed through my sport / career and channelling it into something profoundly impactful. The decision to run for the Prince Albert Foundation came naturally. What better way to test my limits than by supporting a cause that offers life-changing opportunities to young minds? It’s a perfect fusion of personal achievement and contributing to a larger purpose.
Running this marathon is my commitment to going beyond. Beyond the briefs and case files, beyond the miles, to support the Prince Albert Foundation in providing access to exceptional education at Wellington, just like I was fortunate to receive. This challenge is more than a race; it’s a mission to extend the opportunities that shaped me to others, turning my path into a passage for future talents to thrive.”
Can you tell us a ‘Fun Fact’ about yourself?
“After my second knee reconstruction, I swore to my surgeon that I’d never run again… (Sam, if you ever get hold of this, I am sorry)”
To follow Francesca and Oscar’s journeys please use the links below.