Olympic legend Fatima Whitbread inspired three of Bedford Borough Council’s education leaders at a summit for education leaders.
Alison Pullen, Headteacher of Bedford Virtual School for Looked After Children, was joined by Erin Mills, Assistant Headteacher of the Virtual School, and Gemma Hubbard-Jones, Education Advisor at the Virtual School, at the National Association of Virtual School Heads (NAVSH) conference.
And all three of them heard an inspirational talk from Fatima Whitbread, the Olympic medallist who famously was the first British athlete to set a world record in a throwing event.
Alison said; “Fatima wanted to share her experience of growing up in the care system and how key adults helped her to overcome her trauma and experiences to become an Olympian, world record holder and world champion.
“We heard about how she was abandoned as a baby and spent time in a children’s home with 25 other young children. She talked about key adults who believed in her and saw her potential, and how by having these adults her life was changed for the better.
“It was so inspirational, and she received a standing ovation from the crowd.”
Working with Erin and Gemma, Alison is in charge of raising the educational achievement of Bedford’s children in care.
Alison, Erin and Gemma were joined by more than 200 virtual school headteachers and representatives from all over England and Scotland, at the Birmingham Conference and Events Centre.
Fatima Whitbread was also speaking about Fatima’s UK Campaign, her ongoing campaign to protect and support children and young people by providing practical and emotional care and support.
Alison added; “Fatima was lovely – she was more than happy to stay after her speech to pose for photos with us all.
“She seemed very humble and has a beaming smile!”
This year’s annual conference was extra special as it is the 10th anniversary of NAVSH.
Visitors also heard from Ashley John-Baptise, an award-winning BBC journalist, who also grew up in care and shared his experiences of how he overcame adversity to attend Cambridge University and become a national broadcaster.