The event will take place from 7am until 7pm. Each participating school will be allocated a one-hour time slot, during which teachers will need to complete a run or walk around their garden or living space for the full hour. Participants will post images and videos of their workout and the distance they travelled collected and the total distance travelled for the whole event calculated. We are hoping to reach 24 miles!
Every person taking part is asked to make a small contribution to the fundraising page by donating what they would have spent on their lunch or coffee if they had been at work that week.
St Matthew’s Primary School, said: “This is a great opportunity to do some physical exercise and at the same time raise vital funds to help some of the most vulnerable families in Luton. A number of schools have already signed up to this challenge and we expect many more to join in. We are hoping that with the huge numbers of staff and schools involved we will create a big buzz around the event reaching as many potential donators as possible.
“If there are any businesses or organisations that are interested in supporting this event please get in touch.”
Jane Malcom, CEO, Level Trust, said: “Covid-19 has taken so much away from children who didn’t have a lot to start with – it’s time to work together to give something back. That is why I am so grateful to Dan Chaplen and his team at St Matthew’s who have poured their time into setting up the #LutonSchoolRun.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has made life much harder for children and young people in financial hardship. Home has now become school. If you live in cramped housing, with no garden, very few learning resources and struggle to afford essential food and clothing, learning is going to be nearly impossible. The money the #LutonSchoolRun raises will go towards our Emergency Home School Fund which will provide essential food, clothing and learning resources so that all children can continue to learn during the school closures. This is an opportunity for our town to come together to support children in our community living with very little. Please all donate if you can.”
Cllr Mahmood Hussain, portfolio holder with responsibility for children and young people said: “Well done to St Matthew’s Primary School for organising this event, bringing people together in a collective effort to help those most in need in our town. I would also like to thank local charity The Level Trust who should be commended for their continued support and commitment to assist vulnerable families.”
If you work in a school and you haven’t already signed up to #LutonSchoolRun please email Dan Chaplen at dchaplen@stmatthews.primaryluton.co.uk or click here.
Anyone can support the event by making a donation on our Just Giving page.
I feel extremely honoured to be the CEO of Level Trust.
It is a responsibility that I take very seriously. I spent many years as a senior leader in education working in a variety of settings including: custodial and secure units, mainstream primary and secondary schools and alternative provision.
I have been a part of the Level Trust team since 2021 and my favorite part of my job is working with our amazing staff, trustees and volunteers to support children and families across Luton. In my spare time you will find me walking my four dogs, reading or watching Strictly!
I support the running of our Uniform Exchange and Learning Locker and also work out in our amazing local community and schools to build relationships and reach those in need more directly. My favourite part about my job is using my own life experience to support families and meeting the wonderful next generation of adults. I love hearing individual thoughts and feelings straight from our community and seeing how we can help. I am so passionate about the importance of Level Trusts and its role in our community and I’m excited to see what the future holds.
As a successful HR professional with 20+ years experience at operational and strategic level, my
passion is unlocking the barriers to successful growth for SMEs with people at its core. Fuelled by my
passion and enthusiasm for understanding the needs of people and ensuring this contributes to the
success of business, I firmly believe that people are a business's greatest asset.
I am delighted and honoured to be supporting Level Trust in a people and HR capacity – playing a
part in the charity’s amazing journey and the incredible impact the team are having on the everyday
lives of those most vulnerable in society.
Outside of work, I place family at the heart of everything - nurturing my 14 year old Autistic child to
be the best he can be, and raising money and awareness for the charity Erase Meso – a charity
raising critical funds for Mesothelioma (Asbestos Cancer Research) following my brothers terminal
diagnosis 4 years ago but defying all odds, through clinical immunotherapy trials, now being in
remission.
Fowzia Ahmed is a teacher passionate about creating inclusive environments where young people feel supported and empowered to thrive. As a former Deputy SENDCo, she has extensive experience in safeguarding and SEND. She currently leads Student Leadership and Girls’ Aspirations, developing opportunities that inspire confidence and personal growth. Fowzia is also the founder of Barakah, a community initiative dedicated to empowering the next generation of female leaders.
I’m 28 and from Luton. I have 4 children who are 11, 7, 6 and 6 months. I grew up in Marsh Farm and know the struggles of not having the right uniform.
I enjoy visiting new places, crafting something up and spending time with my family.
I became a trustee for Level Trust because I have a strong love for all the work they do supporting families like my own with everyday problems. I’ve been in that situation myself and now I’m looking to advocate and help others benefit from all the opportunities Level Trust has to offer.
A qualified accountant with extensive experience in financial stewardship, Sharon Esnard serves as a trustee of Level Trust, helping to guide the charity’s strategic direction and ensure robust governance. Sharon is committed to creating a fairer start for children in Luton and uses her professional insight to support Level Trust’s mission of removing barriers to education. Her work reflects a strong belief in the power of practical, compassionate support for families.
Catherine Farrell has been involved in fundraising for over 28 years and has been working with Level Trust since March 2022.
An expert in networking, raising money for special projects, running capital appeals and core funding. Catherine has raised millions of pounds for social welfare projects, community and youth projects, homelessness, hospices and disability charities. She is energetic and passionate about her work and understands the motivation for giving. She is a trust and major donor fundraiser and has also obtained significant funding through national lottery sources.
Rachel Warwick is Chair of Trustees at Level Trust. She has experience in fundraising, marketing, and governance in education and the charity sector. Rachel founded the national holiday hunger charity MakeLunch in 2011 and is currently Director of Mobilisation at Scripture Union. She is passionate about tackling poverty and creating opportunities for children to thrive.
Sufian Sadiq is the Director of Teaching School at Chiltern Learning Trust, with responsibility for overseeing two regional Hub areas in the South East of England. Chiltern Teaching School are one of the largest providers of CPD to the sector nationally.
He is a passionate activist within the educational landscape around race, equity and inclusion. He is a Fellow and Board Member of the Chartered College of Teaching, as well as a Fellow for the Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors.
He plays an active role in numerous charitable organisations as a Trustee and also holds key governance roles within educational organisations.
Mostaque grew up in the Bury Park area of Luton, close to the Kenilworth Road stadium of his beloved Luton Town Football Club, where he holds the position of Community Ambassador.
He runs a local printing company Bartham Press, founded Community Interest Luton, and leads on its various initiatives which seek to better the lives of people in the region.
Mostaque has worked in business and charity for many years. He knows the local area and the people very well, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his ambassador role.
Chris is the Chief Executive of Youthscape, a national youth charity based in Luton. His work has focused on supporting young people’s development in areas like mental and emotional wellbeing.
In his spare time he’s a bit of a Mac nerd and a member of The Magic Circle.
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Anisah graduated from UCL with a degree in Education and Philosophy and started her career in the field of admissions.
She is now Head of Student Experience and Corporate Communications for Luton Sixth Form College and is the youngest female, ethnic minority Head of Department in the history of the college.
Anisah is a strong advocate for Luton and showcases the town on a national platform, something which she describes as a privilege.
Wasim is a passionate solicitor who has grown up in Central Luton. As a Partner at Hannah Solicitors, he has been committed to promoting progression and creating opportunities for the young and upcoming generation.
Whether it’s legal advice, career guidance, or community development, he is always available to make a positive impact.
Wasim has worked with small boutique and large firms bringing together skills from both and is part of a community employment objective to create brighter futures.
Altaf is the Principal and CEO of Luton Sixth Form College, the oldest and one of the largest and best specialist sixth form colleges in the country supporting the dreams of over three thousand highly ambitious young professionals.
Altaf is convinced the future UK Prime Minister will come from Luton Sixth Form College – you read it here first!
I work for Whittaker Plane and alongside Level Trust. I am passionate about helping people and I enjoy working behind the scenes to make sure businesses run smoothly and efficiently. Originally from Chicago, I have now called Luton home for over 15 years. When not working, I can be found with my two kids or inside the pages of a good book.
Mark Plane qualified as a Chartered Accountant with ICAEW in 2011 and founded Whittaker Plane in 2014.
Whittaker Plane Ltd is founded on values of integrity and excellence and supports many businesses and charities to achieve their goals.
Whittaker Plane supports Level Trust with book-keeping, payroll, accounts and advice to the CEO and Trustee board.
As a Luton parent Mark has seen the great work of Level Trust in his children’s schools.
I run the Uniform Exchange and Learning Locker. As a mum with three children, I know what it's like trying to get everything the children need for school. You just get what they need and they grow, it breaks or they lose it! It can be really hard to find the money to replace or buy new things when there’s not much left after you’ve paid your bills. I like helping people and I get to know lots of families on my estate. I'm known as the uniform lady (!) and people say hello when I'm out with my family or walking my dog.
I have spent many years working within the public sector. At 18 years old, I joined the Police Force and spent a number of years policing on the front line. I then moved into education, primarily focussing on safeguarding and supporting children and young people. I have two young children myself, who keep me busy and I love to spend time outdoors exploring with them. You may also find me exercising or with my head in a book.
