July 7, 2026 11:48am
Thinking Fitness duo raise over £1,300 for charity after remarkable marathon
As a coastal town, Brixham’s relationship with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is vital to the safety and wellbeing of our community.
That’s why we’re celebrating two men connected to Thinking Fitness Brixham, who recently took on an extraordinary challenge, in aid of the RNLI here in Torbay.
Kevin Smith, one of our Fitness and Lettings Officers, alongside gym member James Pine, ran the length of Brixham Breakwater 27 times continuously.
Kevin and James raised over £1,300 for the RNLI lifeboat station in Torbay, which has served our community since 1866. For every mile they ran, the duo were joined by a different member of the Brixham community, which included four members of staff here at the college.
Kevin is also a former Brixham College student. He spoke about his local connections to our town and how the RNLI’s work is fundamental here, and on a national scale.
"I’d never done a marathon before, and I like to do things locally as Brixham is where I grew up. I’m a big believer in challenging yourself to find out where your abilities can be stretched and tested.
“The RNLI is important in supporting the safety of our seas. This fundraising event will raise awareness of the lifeboats locally and encourage more people to support the cause”.
The RNLI are an official school charity and the funds raised could help provide vital safety equipment for the volunteers who serve and cover operational costs for when it matters most.
Working with Thinking Fitness and the RNLI doesn’t just help to support a charitable cause. As Kevin believes, this work sets a ‘positive example’ to young people connected to our college and in our town.
“By working closely with the community, we demonstrate the importance of giving back, showing respect, and supporting those who make a difference. It teaches the value of community involvement and social responsibility.
“To see Thinking Fitness actively contribute to the local area; young people learn the importance of supporting others and make a positive impact”.
Thinking Fitness, based on site here at Brixham College, supports our students, staff and the wider public with the opportunity to stay active and maintain healthy lifestyles.
They form part of Thinking Solutions for Education; teams of experts who provide services to our school and others across the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, helping to transform the life chances of young people.
Nick Forward, Head of Business Development at Thinking Schools Academy Trust, leads on the strategic vision for fitness and lettings. He praised the determination and commitment from Kevin and James who showcased ‘the very best’ of Thinking Fitness.
"Kevin and James’ achievement speaks volumes about why our work at Thinking Fitness and Lettings is so important. We’re not just providing gyms and facility hire, we’re serving our communities and supporting them to lead active, healthy lifestyles.
“At Thinking Solutions for Education, we’re reinvesting funds to improve young people’s chances in life. This charity challenge reminds us of what can be achieved through determination and teamwork”.
At Brixham College, we’re proud of our strong links with the RLNI in Torbay, helping to inform and educate our students about the importance of water safety.
Miss R. Blackshaw, Principal at Brixham College, highlighted how the money raised demonstrates to young people how to be active citizens in their community.
"We’re passionate about our values curriculum at Brixham College, with a strong focus on character and leadership which Kevin and James have demonstrated in abundance.
“Their achievement sets a fantastic example to our students about the importance of being engaged in the wider world, and it’s why we embed this learning into lessons every day”.
Kevin and James’ fundraising link remains live and anyone wishing to support their efforts can donate via this link.
