Luton teacher on mission to inspire students with 500km running challenge for NHS

Head of Business Mujtabah Rathor has pledged to run 500km in just 30 days, with only three to go before his deadline of June 30. 

Mujtabah has currently raised £3,250 for Luton and Dunstable University Hospital, with his longest run so far being a four hour journey from Luton to Watford!

Mujtabah, who is a teacher at Stockwood Park Academy (part of The Shared Learning Trust) said: “I have set such a high figure, as I know I won’t be able to reach my target without discipline.

“I want to teach the younger generations and show my students that you can achieve anything if you remain steadfast and have the correct mindset and discipline.”

Mujtabah’s mighty challenge is to thank the NHS for its help during the pandemic, and to thank the L&D for the care it gave to his parents. 

The Lutonian lost his mother Fakhra five years ago to a brain tumour, while his father, Mohammed, passed away aged 65 due to liver cancer. 

Mujtabah explained: “I lost my Dad in November which was very difficult for me, but I turned a negative into a positive, vlogging my whole journey, putting it into Snapchat and WhatsApp.

“Life is a journey and you have got to make the most of it - regardless of the challenge, remain positive. You will get knock backs but you have got to keep pushing forward.”

Mujtabah grew up in Dallow Road and wants to inspire his students and show that they can achieve their goals if they put their mind to it. 

He also hopes that people will realise how special the NHS is. 

Mujtabah added: “I would like to say a massive thank you to the NHS for what they have done and how they help people in need.

“A lot of people don’t understand how lucky and fortunate we are to have this system in place; if you live in a third world country it can be really difficult to get an operation.

“Other countries also have insurance systems instead. I’ve previously taught in Saudi Arabia and my friend there was involved in a motorbike accident. They ended up with a bill that cost thousands!”

Mujtabah is still taking on his daily runs, battling tight quads and burning blisters, but hopes that his perseverance will encourage others to donate.

He added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff at the Shared Learned Trust for their continued support.

“A special thanks must go to Executive Principal Louise Lee who is also a profound runner. There were days when I felt like giving up, and I thought ‘How am I going to complete this? I have set myself to much of a high goal’.

“She has been a pillar of support throughout this process. It’s lovely to have someone around who is continuously pushing you and giving you lots of tips, as running is a sweet science.”

Louise Lee, Executive Principal said: “During these unprecedented times the NHS have been unbelievable; their hard work and commitment is truly commendable.

“Mr Rathor has shown amazing resilience, courage and commitment.”

Mumin Humayun, Head of school at The Stockwood Park Academy, said: “We here at The Stockwood Park Academy are ever so grateful for the fantastic work our NHS frontline workers have been doing. Mr Rathor embarking on this challenge is true testament to that. I am so proud of Mr Rathor’s fantastic achievement.”

To donate to the appeal, please search: ‘The Running Fit Club - Running for the NHS’ on the JustGiving website.

Mujtabah hopes to donate a portion of the money to the L&D helipad appeal and would also like to say thank you to the staff at Stockwood Park Academy, The Running Fit Club and his brothers Safeer and Aamar for all their support.