They were made inspirational stars of the small screen with hit TV show Educating Yorkshire.

And now Thornhill Academy pupils and staff are backing the inspirational legacy of the late Jane Tomlinson.

The school is to enter a team of over 30 in the Run For All Leeds 10K on Sunday, July 20 with pupils taking on their teachers in a fun challenge to show who is the fastest.

Among the staff taking part is Matthew Burton, who in a memorable episode reminiscent of the film The King’s Speech, helped one of his pupils, Musharaf, overcome a severe stammer to deliver an emotional speech to a leavers’ assembly on the last day of term.

Headteacher Jonny Mitchell, who will help start the race, said: “Everyone is really looking forward to taking part in the Leeds 10K.

“It’s a great opportunity for staff and students to support a brilliant event and raise money for an excellent cause. Jane Tomlinson was a true local hero and her legacy continues to inspire so many people.”

And the cohort from the Academy popped over to Leeds to officially launch the event at Leeds Town Hall.

The event will see thousands of runners pounding the pavements and bring colour and a carnival atmosphere to the streets of Leeds,

Runners can choose to support one of the event’s partner charities or any good cause of their choice for the event which last year raised over £2m for charity.

The Thornhill team has chosen to raise money for children’s and cancer charities.

The race is supported by Asda Foundation.

Asda Foundation manager Julie Ward said: “We are proud to be supporting such a popular 10K that is enjoyed by thousands of people and benefits so many local charities. Hundreds of Asda colleagues have signed up to take part and they, like many others, are really looking forward to the event.”

Siobhan Curtis, Jane Tomlinson Appeal legacy manager, added: “The Leeds 10K continues to go from strength to strength and I would like to thank all those running on behalf of the Jane Tomlinson Appeal. Their efforts will benefit some really deserving local good causes.”

Run For All is part of Jane Tomlinson’s lasting legacy. Jane CBE raised £1.85m for children’s and cancer charities before her untimely death from cancer aged just 43 in 2007.

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