MORE than £2,000 has been raised for charity to mark the one-year anniversary of the death of a beloved Crewkerne headteacher.

Children, staff, parents and grandparents took on the Maiden Beech mega-marathon last Thursday in memory of David Carter, who was the headteacher at nearby school St Bartholomew’s when he suffered a fatal heart attack last year.

The occasion was also marked by Maiden Beech’s head, Carl Winch, completing the Virgin London Marathon 2018.

On Sunday, he completed the gruelling 26.2 mile course in four hours, helping to raise more than £2,000 for Asthma UK in the process.

The money was also raised in memory of Mr Winch’s dad Frank, who died in 1988 and who suffered from Asthma throughout his life.

Mr Winch said: “The staff, children and parents at Maiden Beech were incredible.

“The conditions were perfect with blue skies and sunshine and the atmosphere was amazing. In total we managed to complete 2,796 laps of the field, which is the equivalent distance of 66 marathons.

“A number of parents and relatives turned up to cheer us on, including David Carter’s parents and family, which made the event extra special.

“I know Mr Carter would have been very proud of what the children achieved and their attitude and determination.

“In 2013, David ran the Marathon himself, raising funds for the National Autism Society, so I am proud to be following in his footsteps. Running the London Marathon on Sunday was an amazing experience that I will never forget.”

You can still donate at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/CarlWinch.