Brilliant teacher overcomes broken back to walk 20 miles for charity nine months on

An inspirational Priory teacher will take to the hills for Weston Hospicecare’s Mendip Challenge on Sunday – just nine months after breaking her back in a horse-riding accident.

The Priory Learning Trust (PLT) has adopted the hospice as its charity of the year, and has recruited a team of 120 people from around its six schools to take part in the Mendip Challenge.

Among them will be Lois Kerrison, head of maths at Priory Community School Academy, who broke her back in two places last autumn after being thrown by a horse.

She will be taking on the walk’s 20-mile route as part of a sell-out event, with more than 1,200 people registered to take part.

But for Lois, this week’s walk could be just the start, as she is eyeing up an even bigger challenge in the future.

She said: “I am determined to do this, and then to do maybe a 100-mile walk for my next challenge.

“Weston Hospicecare is an amazing charity and I’m thrilled that this accident and breaking my back has not stopped me being able to help. I am hoping to be able to finish without any issues.”

Neville Coles, the PLT’s executive principal, said: “Lois is a true inspiration and we are thrilled to be able to all help out such a brilliant charity as Weston Hospicecare.”

The hospice’s event manager Simon Angear said: “We’ve been blown away by the enthusiasm for this year’s Mendip Challenge from all across our community – and in particular by the support from the Priory Learning Trust.

“The trust has supported the hospice brilliantly throughout the year, and we’re thrilled to be welcoming so many of them to the Mendip Challenge on Sunday. It promises to be a fabulous event.”