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We are parents, friends and carers of children at Redriff Primary School. We are loving, fun, and extremely proud of our kids and their school. We are also (self-proclaimed!) runners and we’ll be taking part in the Big Half on September 6.

The Big Half is one of the UK’s biggest half marathons. 13.1 miles. 21.1 kilometres. We’ll experience the joy of running through our city alongside 20.000 other runners after months of training through the hot summer months.

For most runners the highlights of the race will be running through the streets of Canary Wharf, crossing Tower Bridge and finishing right in front of the Cutty Sark. For us, though, the biggest moments will come at mile 10: our legs will be aching and we’ll be questioning our life choices, but we’ll see a lot of friendly faces along Salter Road and we’ll get to run in front of our wonderful primary school.

We thought that this would be an excellent chance to raise money for Redriff, and if you would like to support us your donation will go directly to the school and its amazing activities.

Who we are:

• Giovanni - Father of C (Year 2) and L (Year 5). Generally seen in running shorts at pick-up and/or drop-off. Run Director at Southwark junior parkrun. Has taken part in every edition of the Big Half so far. Despite popular belief has interests that go beyond running (teaches 20th century history, reads copious amounts of novels, and has a bizarre passion for washing dishes)
• Alice - Mother of C (Year 2) and L (Year 5). Lover of bold running leggings (preferably matching her daughters') and regular volunteer at Southwark junior parkrun. After spending many years telling herself she wasn't really a runner, she has now completed the Big Half a few times, though nobody in the family really recalls how many exactly (3? 4? 5?). Outside of running she enjoys playing the piano, going to concerts, and has never seen a DIY project she didn't like.
• Ben - Father of A and F (Year 2). A late convert to running he’s gone from barely being able to jog/walk a half to targeting times. He is one of the Run Directors at both Southwark and Mile End junior parkruns, is a guide runner for visually impaired athletes and has done the Big Half a number of times, including in 2024 when his kids asked whether he’d been in the shower he was so sweaty. Away from running he’s an existential phenomenological psychotherapist, has yet to find a sport he won’t watch or try and most enjoys hanging with his family.
• Andre -  Father of M (Year 5) and M (Alumni from the class of 2023). Went from "not much of a runner" to completing the 2026 London Marathon, and has somehow decided that one marathon wasn't enough—Lisbon is next. Tries to overcome his imposter syndrome (after all he still has trouble calling himself a runner!) by doing DIY - having a power tool in hand makes him happy and he built much of his own house extension himself. Regular volunteer at Southwark junior parkrun and always willing to lend a hand (or several).
• Lejla – Mother of S (Year 3) and I (Year 2). Last seen racing before children arrived eight years ago. Signed up for the Big Half in a moment of optimism and has since been wondering whose idea this was. Training has been a humbling experience, with plenty of puffing, panting and questioning her life choices - but hoping to rediscover her love of running somewhere between the start line and the finish.
• Dmitrii – Proud dad to M (Year 2). Taking on his very first Big Half this year. Although he started running in January 2020, this will be his first time taking on the Big Half. Working in the event industry doesn't leave much spare time, so most of his training runs begin at 6:00 am, while the rest of the house is still asleep. He genuinely enjoys those quiet early mornings before the day gets going. Outside of running, Dmitrii is a big Pink Floyd fan, enjoys almost every sport, and loves spending time with his family. For him, this event is about embracing a new challenge, enjoying the journey, and showing that even with a busy work and family life, it's always possible to make time for something you love.
• Katya and Ignacio - Parents of N (Year 1) and N (joining Redriff Nursery next September. This year will be their second time taking on the Big Half, and they're excited to be running again in support of a great cause. Having a couple of races in the diary each year helps keep them motivated to run regularly, and this time they're determined to break the two-hour mark! 
• Mauro - Dad of M (Year 2) and D (joining Redriff Nursery in a year). After 10 years in London, he's finally taking on his first UK half marathon and is super excited about it! When he's not parenting or running, he's usually reading, listening to podcasts, or planning the next trip to help the little ones explore the world.
• Kai - Dad of O (Year 5). Wannabe runner caught in a perpetual loop of anticipation for the next Big Half. When not running, he thinks he should be. When on the road, he wonders why oh why. He asks for your support to put this dichotomy into a great cause for our little Redriff racers.
• Aurelien - Dad of T (Year 2) and D (Trinity). Back for his second Big Half, three years after his first. Enjoys running along the Thames after a day working in tech and parenting—when he's not on the tennis or padel court. No ambitious time target this year; just looking forward to a fantastic event while raising money for the school.
• Paula - Mum of IS (Year 3), ID (Reception) and OM (Year 2). Usually spotted running after her very cheeky Reception child at pick-up, but also enjoys running in her spare time. Started running to help stay sane while juggling work and life with three energetic boys. Loves spending time with family and friends, and unwinding with a good book.
• Tomas - Dad of A (Year 3) and O (Year 1). He has been running since 2013, and his absolute wildest running adventure so far was completing the Midnight Sun Half Marathon in Tromso with his wife, literally runing at midnight! 

If you want to read more about what the school will be using your donations for, check out the main school fundraising page.

Thank you for supporting us and helping make a difference through your donation.