The Bishop of Kingston and his dog Jem will undertake a ten-marathon challenge by running the Pennine Way, to fund new schools in Zimbabwe.

The famous route spans 267 miles, from Edale in the Peak District to Kirk Yetholm, over the Scottish border. The challenge involves running a marathon each day and camping at night.

Rt Rev Martin Gainsborough felt inspired to take on the challenge after a trip to Matabeleland, Zimbabwe in 2024. The Kingston Episcopal Area in the Diocese of Southwark, which Bishop Martin leads, has had a link with the Anglican Diocese of Matabeleland in Zimbabwe for many years.

Due to a lack of local education centres, pupils must make a 10k journey to their nearest school. The long route is particularly dangerous for girls, meaning many lose access to education.

Bishop Martin is hoping to raise funds for the new St Cecilia’s School in Lupane, which is under construction. It is set to have a rectory, dining hall, classrooms, and dormitories.

Fourteen-year-old pupil Ntokozo said: “Before we had hope, but now we have hope realised.”

“Running the Pennine Way is a huge challenge, but Jem and I are ready for it and raring to go,” said Bishop Martin.

The clergy-canine team will take on most of the running in the cool of the morning, with Martin carrying extra water and food on his back for Jem.

As a border collie, Jem is “ideally suited to mountain terrain,” and has accompanied Bishop Martin on all his training runs.

The bishop joked: “To be honest, when I am flagging, for Jem it is a walk in the park!”