Fundraising teacher races for tot's cause

Steven Potter, a year six teacher from Greetland Academy, raised donations for the charity ‘Dexter’s Light’, a charity that helps provide sensory learning experiences for young children to hire out and use.

Mr Potter spoke about why he chose the charity.

“After Dexter’s dad came into school to talk to the children about fundraising and I was honestly touched. Dexter’s cousin is in my class, and as soon as he came into school I thought I would help and raise some money.”

Dexter’s Light was set up, by the youngster’s parents, James Cook and Gemma Littley after their son passed away suddenly aged one in May 2013 of a unknown gene mutation which regulates salt to the heart.

Fundraising started when a Just giving page was set up and was shared on Facebook and on the school’s website, where people from the community donated.

Dexter’s family are originally from Halifax and have relatives in Calderdale.

Mr Cook spoke about how proud he is of Mr Potter: “It is an incredible achievement, he’s not raised all that money but he’s been a rock for our family.

“He teaches Megan, Dexter’s cousin, and has supported her all the way”.

“He’s so humble about the situation. With his help we have been able to help buy a second sensory room. He’s honestly a legend.”

Mr Potter said he had not run a marathon before.

“The training could sometimes be dull and lonely but it was definitely worth it.

Every time I came into school after a run I would get the kids to convert the miles I’d done into Kilometres in their maths lessons.”

Mr Potter is also a Coach Mentor for the FA, where he goes around West Yorkshire helping football coaches.

The 28 year old started training for the marathon after Christmas, and does not regret the decision to enter

“Once I’d completed the marathon I felt amazing. The atmosphere at the London Marathon was absolutely electric.”