A MARATHON hero from Stroud returned to his old school to give a talk to pupils about perseverance.

Sam Beard from Tetbury became one of the youngest people to ever achieve the feat of completing seven marathons in seven days.

The 18-year-old chef returned to Archway school on Monday May 18 to give a talk about his training and the importance of believing in what you can achieve.

An ex-Archway pupil himself, Sam studied at the school in Stroud for five years from year seven to 11 before leaving to follow a career in catering.

Addressing the whole school during an assembly, he highlighted the fact that he incurred a knee injury and through his determination and resilience was able to overcome this to meet the challenge he had set himself.

Commitment, dedication and perseverance were the long-distance runner’s key messages.

Sam also donated his running vest for the school to display in recognition of his amazing accomplishment.

For more on Sam's amazing story see: stroudnewsandjournal