Youngsters on their marks for marathon man Ray's new scheme

Ray, who completed 75 marathons in 75 days last year, gave an assembly at the school as he launched his Run A Mile A Day scheme.

Youngsters will start their new regime by running alongside Ray and the Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Eve Rose Keenan, on Tuesday.

Ray said: “It’s well-documented that physical exercise leads to and maintains good health.

“Research shows that children perform better in the classroom when they have done exercise and the thing with the run a mile a day scheme is it doesn’t cost anything.

“You don’t need any kit for it and it’s done at a time when the teacher feels that the level of interest and concentration is slipping.”

Shaun Cassell, PE co-ordinator at the school, said he thought Ray’s campaign was a “great idea”.

“It’s good to have somebody who is putting the effort in and going around the schools and promoting exercise and healthy lifestyles,” he said.

The  Advertiser is calling for Ray (pictured at the school) to be knighted after his amazing marathon efforts and we have submitted an application to the Cabinet Office.