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| 12 Jun 2025 | |
| Written by Lauren De'Pledge | |
| Alumni |
On May 11, 2025, Jonny Armstrong (Sullivan Class of 2017) stood at the starting line of the Copenhagen Marathon—flanked by six of his closest school friends: Rory Jemphrey, Jules Storey, Reuben Johnson, Matthew Moran, Bruce Stewart, and Michael Houston. More than runners, they were a team bound by history, loyalty, and a shared mission.
This wasn’t just any race. For Jonny, each of the 26.2 miles was a tribute to his father, who passed away on January 20, 2024, after a long and difficult battle with addiction. In the face of that struggle, one organisation had stood out with unwavering support: The Stauros Foundation. Their compassion and care brought dignity, faith, and hope to Jonny’s father during his darkest times—a gift Jonny has not forgotten.
Determined to honour his father’s courage and to support others walking similar paths, Jonny knew he had to act. A conversation in April 2024 with fellow alumnus Matthew Moran sparked the idea: “What if we ran a marathon?”
The answer came quickly—and enthusiastically. The Copenhagen Marathon became their rallying point.
What followed was months of training, stretching across time zones, job schedules, and personal lives. The group revived old school chats, which evolved into detailed training threads filled with encouragement and accountability. It wasn’t easy—but as Jonny reflects, “It was nothing compared to the strength my dad showed every single day.”
The lead-up to race day was marked by tremendous support from friends, family, and the wider community. That encouragement, Jonny says, helped them push through the toughest parts of training and gave deeper meaning to each mile logged.
On race day, they ran as one—with purpose and passion. Crossing the finish line wasn’t just the culmination of months of physical preparation; it marked the beginning of something bigger. Together, they raised both funds and awareness for The Stauros Foundation, ensuring its vital work continues.
“In every step, we carried the memory of a man who fought with courage, loved deeply, and inspired us to do the same,” Jonny shared. The marathon may be over, but its impact—on their lives, on the Foundation, and on those who hear this story—is just beginning.
To Jonny and the Class of 2017: thank you for reminding us what strength, friendship, and legacy really look like.
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