Sir Christopher Ball, former warden of Keble College and recipient of a knighthood for services to education, is set to celebrate his 90th birthday by running 10k on 17 May in Brathay, Cumbria.
He is supporting ten charities, including The Unicorn School, a specialist independent school and charity in Abingdon. The Unicorn School is on a mission to transform education for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
With 120 students already benefiting from a bespoke, nurturing learning experience tailored to dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, and more, the school will open a second site, extending support to more children and families.
Read more: Unicorn School to double pupil numbers with acquision of former Premier Inn building
The Unicorn School supports children from the Southeast and beyond, even welcoming students from as far as Bournemouth. “Mainstream schools are doing their best, but resources are stretched thin,” said Andrew Day, the Executive Headteacher.
“I’m deeply concerned about the growing gap in SEND provision. At The Unicorn School, we’re working to bridge that gap, but we need help. That is why we are so grateful to Sir Chrisopher Ball for taking on this momentous challenge and raising much-needed funds.
If you are affected by this growing issue, please consider sponsoring Sir Christopher. Together, we can make a difference.”
Sir Christopher will be joined by one of his children as he takes on the challenge one month after he turns 90. He lives in Oxford and is married to Wendy. Born in 1935, he worked in education following his National Service in the Parachute Regiment.
Once retired, he began writing poetry (writing as John Elinger, his middle name), has run 22 marathons (including the “10in10 Challenge”, which he founded) and supports charities working within education, health and the arts.
To support Sir Christopher please visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/sirchristopherballs10k
The Unicorn School is an independent SEN school based in Abingdon, Oxfordshire. It specialises in educating children with dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, autism, ADHD, and speech, language, and communication needs.
