Looe Community Academy Teacher to Run London Marathon for MS Society

A teacher from Looe Community Academy is preparing to take on the 2026 London Marathon after being awarded a place by a charity close to his heart.

Mark Deacon, who lives in Saltash and teaches at the school, has been selected by the Multiple Sclerosis Society in recognition of his previous fundraising efforts, which have already raised several thousand pounds over the years.

Inspired By Friends And Past Loss

Mark explained that his motivation to support the charity comes from personal experience, with several friends and colleagues affected by Multiple Sclerosis.

Among them was the parent of one of his students, who sadly died during the Covid period. He said her determination to raise money for the charity in difficult circumstances was one of the reasons he first got involved.

Mark said:
“Over the years, this charity has been hugely important to me, with multiple friends of mine both living (and sadly no longer living) with Multiple Sclerosis.”

He added that while the condition can vary widely, its impact is always significant:
“It is more common than sometimes people realise… but one thing that is absolute, is MS always impacts on their lives and those around them.”

From Sea Swims To The Marathon Start Line

Mark has already taken on some demanding fundraising challenges in the past. One of his earliest efforts saw him swim 21 miles in 21 days, finishing with a 10km sea swim from Portwrinkle to Looe.

Now, he is turning his attention to the London Marathon, despite having limited time to prepare.

“It came as a complete surprise to me,” he said. “Despite this not leaving me long to train or fundraise, I will do everything I can, in the time that I have.”

School Community Rallies Behind Him

Support is already building locally. Mark recently organised a dance show with the school cheer teams he runs, alongside a raffle and bake sale.

The event raised funds for his marathon effort and brought together the Looe school community.

He said he was “very grateful” for the support from both the school and the wider community.

How To Support

Mark is planning more fundraising over the coming months and is encouraging anyone who can help to get involved.

He said:
“One thing I have discovered over time, is the money raised for this charity really has a direct and immediate impact on improving the lives of those with MS… and their family members who support them.”

Anyone wishing to support Mark or donate can visit his fundraising page here: https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/mark-deacon

He added: “If anyone I know (or even don’t know) is able to help and support in any way… I for one and many, many others, would be hugely grateful.”