The Great Epsom Mud Run saw more than 300 brave members of the College community climb, swing, jump and wade their way around a course of more than 80 challenging mud-soaked obstacles. The 5km military assault course provided a test of participants’ strength, speed and endurance, whilst coating them in a thick layer of mud. Obstacles included wading through deep muddy ditches, trenches and tunnels, scaling high walls and clambering over mounds of tyres and netting. The event was organised by the Education Trust and OE Club, with Campaign Board Chair and former parent, Ashley Head, and his family, to raise awareness of the fundraising campaign for The Mermaid. Headmaster, Mr Jay Piggot, and Second Master, Mr Paul Williams, didn’t require too much coaxing to join the pack – both donned their trainers and tackled the course with vigour, along with many other members of Common Room. Mr Andrew Day, Granville Housemaster, deserves particular praise for completing the course in just over three hours, with his six-year-old daughter, Molly, on his back. Stephanie Chu (Wh) and Noémie Winmill were awarded a medal by the site marshals who were impressed by their camaraderie, remaining together and helping each other throughout the whole course.
“This event was intended to bring our community together; to unite pupils, parents, OEs, staff and families in an activity that prompted laughter, enjoyment, endeavour and raised awareness of the Mermaid Fundraising Campaign. In these terms, the Great Epsom Mud Run may be judged a spectacular success.”
Jay Piggot, Headmaster
Plans for The Mermaid were announced at the start of 2018. With £2.5m already raised in donations and pledges, and a further £2.4 million pledged by the College, the target is to raise the final £3.5 million to turn this from vision to reality. The new building, which will be unique in the UK, will be located at the heart of the campus and will be spread over almost 2,000sqm. It will combine academic excellence, socialising, career planning and cultural engagement into one multi-dimensional space. In June the capital fundraising campaign film was launched, presented by historian and TV presenter, Dr Suzannah Lipscomb (Wh 1995-1997 and Epsom College Governor).
Ms Karen Doyle, Education Trust Director, said: “A massive thank you to Ashley Head and his family for coming up with such a fantastic idea and for all their support along the way, to all who took part with such enthusiasm, and to everyone who has kindly donated.”
Thank you to all photographers on the day, including Carl Chen (H), Kate Bamber, Steve McCubbin (C 1969-73), Fi Drinkall, Rob Hammond and Mikey Garrison from the College AV team, Jill Povey and Bronwen Lonnon.
