The finish line isn’t the end—it’s the beginning. Joanne Carter, 29, and Kush Patel, 24, crossed the Race Across the World 2025 finish line in Santiago, Chile, on May 12, clocking 36 days, 12 hours, and 47 minutes. But their real victory may be what they’ve ignited back home in Liverpool.
Broughton Hall High School, where both studied, announced Tuesday it will host a 72-hour non-stop student relay in October 2025 to raise funds for local mental health services. The challenge, named “Broughton Endurance Challenge,” mirrors the duo’s teamwork and grit under extreme pressure.
Key Points
- ✅ Jo Carter and Kush Patel won Race Across the World 2025 in 36 days, 12 hours
- ⚡ Their former school, Broughton Hall High, announced a 72-hour student relay in October
- 💡 Funds raised will support Liverpool’s mental health services for young people
The school’s headteacher, Sister Mary Paul, said the idea emerged during a Year 11 assembly where students watched the final episode of the BBC Two show. “Their story of resilience and camaraderie resonated deeply,” she said. “We realised we could create a platform for our students to embody those same values.”
💡 Pro Tip
Organisers suggest recruiting former pupils like Jo and Kush as guest starters to boost participation and alumni engagement.
Student leaders have already secured sponsorships from local businesses including Everton FC’s community trust and Liverpool’s Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. Organisers aim to raise £50,000—double the school’s previous fundraising record set in 2023.
| Challenge Aspect | Broughton 2025 | Previous Record |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 72 hours | 48 hours |
| Participants | 200+ students | 150 students |
| Target Funds | £50,000 | £25,000 |
The relay begins at 7 a.m. on October 2, with teams running, cycling, and rowing on a 1.5-mile loop in Sefton Park. Each team must include at least one member from every year group, ensuring inclusivity across age groups. A live leaderboard will track progress and broadcast across the school’s social media channels.
📋 By The Numbers
- 200+ — Expected student participants in the endurance relay
- £50,000 — Fundraising target for Liverpool mental health services
- 72 hours — Non-stop event duration from start to finish
Kush Patel, now studying sports science at Liverpool John Moores University, said the idea of translating their on-screen challenge into real-life action was “humbling.” “We never expected our journey to inspire something like this,” he said. “But when young people see others push limits, they realise their own potential.”
Jo Carter, a former HR professional now working in travel, added that the school’s initiative proves endurance isn’t just physical—it’s mental. “The real race is showing up, day after day, whether you’re running or studying or supporting others,” she said. “That’s the lesson we want every student to take away.”
How the Challenge Works
- ⏰ Start: 7 a.m., October 2, Sefton Park
- 🏃♂️ Format: Rotating teams of six, covering 1.5-mile loops
- 📊 Tracking: Live leaderboard updated every 30 minutes
- 🎯 Goal: Raise £50,000 for Liverpool youth mental health services
Local charities have praised the initiative. Mind Liverpool’s CEO, Janet Smith, said: “Young people face unprecedented pressures. Initiatives like this show solidarity and demonstrate that resilience can be built collectively.” The school’s student council will also host workshops on stress management and goal-setting during the event.
Registration for the Broughton Endurance Challenge opens next week. Sister Mary Paul urged parents and teachers to get involved. “This isn’t just a fundraiser,” she said. “It’s a movement.”
