Jess’s Marathon Fundraiser Delivers Big for Norfolk SEND School
We’re thrilled to announce that the brand-new minibus funded by Jess Rider’s London Marathon for Variety, the Children’s Charity has officially been handed over to the Sidestand Hall School in Norfolk!
Sidestrand Hall School’s New Variety Minibus!
Thanks to your incredible generosity - raising over £24,000! - this new vehicle will empower students with specialist educational needs to explore new places, engage with their community and enjoy enriching experiences beyond the classroom.
Located in a remote area with limited public transport links, Sidestrand Hall School faces real challenges in getting students out and about. The new minibus is a complete lifeline - opening the door to more frequent trips, outdoor learning and vital opportunities for connection beyond the school gates.
Jess’ Marathon Journey
At the start of 2025, we had the pleasure of following Jess’s Marathon Journey from start to finish across SCW’s social channels. From training runs and half marathons to his IceLab Cryo-chamber pre-marathon session, we caught glimpses of the grit, determination, and prep that powered his progress.
Jess took on the iconic 26.2-mile London Marathon with two goals in mind: to make a lasting difference for children with special educational needs and to cross the finish line with his daughter, Alice. His months of training, tireless fundraising and sheer determination resulted in an extraordinary achievement - not just crossing the finish line with Alice, but delivering a vehicle that will transform lives for years to come.
The Minibus Presentation
Stanford Coachworks was honoured to attend the heartwarming handover presentation at Sidestrand School Hall, where Jess Rider officially presented the keys to their brand-new minibus. The celebration was filled with balloons, bright smiles and heartfelt gratitude from the school community. For Jess, seeing firsthand how much the minibus meant to the students and staff made every mile of marathon training worth it.
We hope that the new minibus brings ease, joy and new possibilities to the students’ everyday journeys. Jess would also like to send a heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated to his marathon fundraiser - this is exactly what your incredible generosity has made possible. We couldn’t have done it without you.