Burnley lecturer takes on first marathon after life-changing South Africa trip

A Burnley College lecturer is taking on his first marathon after a “life-changing” trip to South Africa inspired him to raise thousands of pounds for a sports charity.

Steven Garstang, who lives in Burnley and has taught Uniformed Services at Burnley College since 2020, will run the London Marathon in April 2027 in aid of United Through Sport.

He has set himself a £3,000 fundraising target and is now appealing to businesses and people across Burnley and East Lancashire to support the challenge.

The marathon follows a three-week trip to Gqeberha, formerly Port Elizabeth, in June, when he travelled with nine Burnley College Uniformed Services students and one sports student to work alongside United Through Sport.

The charity uses sport, education and personal development to create opportunities for young people, particularly those living in disadvantaged communities.

Before travelling, staff and students also completed a “Miles with Meaning - Burnley to Gqeberha” challenge, collectively covering the 10,045km between Burnley College and United Through Sport in Gqeberha , South Africa.

The challenge, which involved running, walking, cycling and other exercise, raised around £1,700 for United Through Sport.

During their time in South Africa, the Burnley students worked directly with young people in local communities, using sport to build confidence and skills.

Steven said: “The three weeks in South Africa were honestly some of the best and most rewarding weeks I’ve ever had.

“I went out there thinking mainly about giving the students an amazing experience, but I don’t think I expected it to have as much of an impact on me personally as it did.

“Some of the schools we visited had very little in terms of resources compared with what we’re used to here. Yet the children were some of the happiest, most welcoming and enthusiastic young people I’ve ever met.”

He said the experience also had a major impact on the Burnley College students, who were challenged to work as a team and adapt to a completely different culture and environment.

After returning home, he was determined to keep the connection with UTS going.

He said: “When we got home I didn’t want that to just be the end of it. We’d had this incredible three weeks, taken loads of photos and made loads of memories, but I wanted to actually do something to keep supporting UTS.

“That’s a big part of why I’m doing the marathon.”

A former Lancashire Police officer, who spent around 10 years working in response policing and serious and organised crime investigations, he is already a keen runner and HYROX competitor and also coaches HYROX sessions.

However, London will be his first full marathon.He said: “I’m really excited about London. I’ve done HYROX competitions and plenty of running, but I’ve never attempted a marathon before.

“I know there are going to be points where it’s tough, but having a reason bigger than just getting a medal at the end will definitely help.”

He is looking for local businesses to sponsor him or donate prizes, vouchers or experiences for fundraising events and raffles.

“Having actually been out there and seen where the support goes makes the fundraising feel very different for me. I’ve met the children, been in the schools and seen the work UTS are doing. That’s what I’ll be thinking about when the training gets tough.”

Anybody wishing to donate to Steven can do so here - https://2027tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/steven-garstang.