b'THE ELLESMERIAN166Old Ellesmerian raises over 30k for Help for HeroesWhen Ex-Royal Marine Stephen Bannister (Meynell 2002-2007) turned 30 in September 2018, he marked the occasion by setting himself a gruelling 13 month challenge to raise 30k for the Armed Forces charity, Help for Heroes.Branded as the Run for 30 campaign, the fundraiser saw Stephen take part in a minimum of two endurance events each month - These included Paris and Berlin marathons and an Iron Man triathlon in Sweden. With five marathons and five triathlons within a list of 25 events, Stephens fundraising efforts achieved an impressive total of 34,800. He was delighted to have beaten his fundraising target. "I would like to say thank you to everyone who has shown their support and belief in me and the campaign this past 13 months. This month I will be visiting Phoenix House, Catterick, to present a cheque for the final amount. Turning 30 in September 2018 motivated me to raise 30k for Help for Heroes because I\'m ex-forces and feel I\'ve been fortunate in life, so I launched my Run For 30 Campaign. My aim was to do all I could for Help for Heroes. I have been fortunate, and in some cases lucky, in my life and I also consider myself lucky enough to have served as a Royal Marine in the Armed Forces. I had 28 events lined up from very early on, from fun mud runs to Iron Man triathlons and finished the campaign with a black tie charity dinner. We have a Wall of Patrons where any individual who donated 30 plus or any corporate sponsor donating 500 plus had their own \'brick\' on the wall. There have been some amazing gestures of support along the way and I am extremely grateful to everyone who took part for their efforts and donations."Stephen wishes to continue his support for Help for Heroes and has extended his fundraising campaign, which is now aptly called Run for Heroes, with a goal to raise 40,000. Hopefully competitive events will make a return in 2021 to make this possible for him. The EDGEsmall way, my contribution will help someone achieve their dreams, just like I did. Teenagers need to know the opportunities available to them, the careers that can be made and how much job satisfaction can be had out of a life in the arts world." Students were also treated to a very interesting talk by Ryan Morley. Ryan left Ellesmere in 2010, choosing not to go to university, he became an Intelligence Analyst within the Royal Air Force.Through the last 5 years, Ryan has found himself in the middle of key world events; from the hunt for Jihadi John, to the response following the Tunisian terror attacks and the airstrikes against Syria. The intelligence world is something many are aware of, but few ever interact with. Military intelligence is full of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. The intellectual life of the College stretches way beyond the confines ofDespite often being the youngest person in the room, Ryan has the classroom, we believe that students can learn a great deal frominfluenced the decisions of key decision makers, including the Prime those who have gone before them so are always delighted to welcomeMinister. back OE speakers to inspire them! Designed as just one element of Ellesmere\'s Leadership and This year our students saw several very exciting speakers. These includedEntrepreneurship programme, The Edge lectures are designed to give internationally renowned artist, Charlie Adlard. In an interview withour students a helping hand when entering the world of university and Head Boy, Will Davies, Charlie told the audience how important creativework. By connecting to the 5,000+ Old Ellesmerians worldwide, the subjects are to both education and in the business world. He answeredyounger generation can gain from their expertise and experience, many questions relating to a career in the world of Art and how hecreating mentoring and work experience opportunities in many sought opportunities in a very competitive field of work.professional fields. Charlie is most well known for being the penciller on the Walking DeadOffered to all Sixth Form and Year 11 students, the programme has since 2004; his other notable works include Savage, the X Files and theproven to be very successful since it started in 2012. Students have had 2000AD series, including Judge Dredd, and Armitage. He is a regularthe opportunity to see and speak to OEs and parents of many supporter of Ellesmere College and has previously featured unseenprofessions including doctors, lawyers, architects, engineers, military, artwork, life drawing sketches and original pieces from published worksentrepreneurs and many more.at our National Art Exhibition. If you would be interested in offering a talk on your career or Charlie said, "I\'ve been involved in Art as Education more in the last fewbusiness, please contact Olivia Beckett: olivia.beckett@ellesmere.com years, due to my role as UK Comics Laureate, and have become/ 01691 626541. increasingly aware of the importance of such things. I hope, in some'