SIXTH-form students from Bodmin College have completed a 35-mile ultramarathon to raise both money and awareness for the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. 

Dominic Hill, Mia Rowe, Maya KC Cotton and Jasmine Spencer, all in Year 12, walked and part-ran the ultramarathon across some of Bodmin Moor’s most challenging terrain. 

’As teens with family members with underlying health issues, we felt that going to public protests were not the best way to raise awareness for us, even though we’d love to go,’ said Dominic.

’However, we still wanted to do our part and donate as much money as we can to the BLM Foundation. ’Now is the time to help more than ever to ensure change. We have to speak out and make a difference to raise awareness of racism – it’s simply not acceptable that in 2020, the black community is discriminated against.’

The Black Lives Matter movement has gained momentum in recent weeks, following the death of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, in police custody in America on May 25. The movement began in 2013 following the death of another black American, Trayvon Martin, and has since expanded into a global organisation.

Bodmin College principal Emmie Seward-Adams said: ’As a school, we are committed to providing an inclusive environment for every member of our communitty.

’We are very proud of our students who are embodying everything we stand for at our school.’

One of the four students walking and running in the ultramarathon was Maya. She said: ’So far, we have raised £1,315, which has smashed our initial £500 target!

’It was such a difficult walk and we were really sore in the days afterwards having trekked so far, but it was all worth it. We have to speak out about the issues of police brutality and racial inequality, and we hope we have encouraged people to have conversations and educate themselves about discrimination towards black people.’

Head of Performing Arts at Bodmin College Alison Dures said that the students had shown unity with communities across the world in raising awareness for racial injustice.

’Racism isn’t born, it is taught, so it’s vital to show our commitment to equality,’ she said. 

To sponsor the Bodmin College sixth form students, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/walkanultramarathon