Saturday 10th October 2009 saw the first ever FOE development day in Westminster (London), which saw volunteers old and new work together to create a vision for the future of the charity.

Friday 2^nd October saw FOE ship out 17,500 books to enhance and establish at least ten libraries in Zambia.

Friend of Edusport's very own Lyson Zulu has received his first international cap, representing Zambia against Ghana in London.

The current economic situation has not been affecting donations to Friend of EduSport, as a recent number of lump-sums have been gratefully received. Trustee Rona McIntosh is to thank for sourcing a couple of valuable donors to the EduSport programme.

At 12pm on Friday the 19th June Eamon Chapman and Derek Keir set off from Hammersmith in London aiming for Bath. The sun was out broken by a few clouds and the first 5 minutes were definitely 300 of the trickiest seconds either of us were to endure. A mix of anxiety, nerves, pressure and expectation accumulated to heavy breathing and a quiet start to what was to become a Monster Marathon, monster challenge and most of all the most incredible if weekends.FYI: From here on in Eamon is appropriately referred to as Yapper for as was pointed out he has the inhumane ability to talk under water!

Derek & co 100mile Ultra/Monster Marathon. 19-20th June 2009
My name is Eamonn Chapman I’m from Ireland but I have lived in Sheffield for the last 4years I am a sporty guy I love football and have played for a number of teams in Yorkshire including Wakefield Emly, Dinnington Town and for the last two season’s I’ve been playing for Sheffield F.C and also Sheffield’s Futsal team. I’m currently studying Architecture at Sheffield Hallam University and I have just completed my first Ultra Marathon

Huge congratulations go to Amy Dyer and Emily Creek, who completed the 2009 London Marathon for Friend of EduSport! Both runners are former IDEALS students, once again cementing the link between the IDEALS Alumni and Friend of EduSport.

Whilst the glorious weather was welcomed by spectators, the heat provided an additional challenge for the pair as they undertook the 26.2 mile course around the capital. However, both girls made it round with impressive times. Amy Dyer, IDEALS student in 2006, was attempting her second consecutive London marathon, and completed the course in 4 hours 38 minutes. In the process she raised £220 for the charity, although sadly her i-pod didn't survive the marathon challenge! Thank you Amy for another great effort.

Also pounding the city streets and raising funds for causes in Zambia was Emily Creek. An IDEALS student in 2007, Emily began her marathon training earlier this year having never run further than 5km before! Well done to Emily, who made her 26 miles count by raising over £1000.

Written by Fiona Campbell, edited by Becky Maybury