On Sunday, OP Harvey Gration ran the Yorkshire Marathon in memory of his father, Harry Gration. Harry was a much-loved member of our community, as an Old Peterite, a parent and a member of the Old Peterite Committee Club. He recognised that Old Peterites have a life-long affinity and connection to the school and often remarked ‘Once a Peterite, always a Peterite.’
Harvey followed in his father’s footsteps as he Captained the 1st Cricket XI in his final year of school, just as Harry did as a pupil and was also invited to begin the tenth edition of the marathon, by ‘firing the gun’ – as his father did for its inaugural race.
After running his first marathon in just 3 hours and 18 minutes, Harvey shared the following message for the St Peter’s community:
“26.2 miles down…0 to go.
On Sunday, I ran the 2023 Yorkshire marathon in memory of my father, a man many of you may have heard of, or were lucky enough to call a friend. BBC presenter, ex-Peterite, president of the OP’s society, but also a runner of the 1st Yorkshire marathon.
That summed up my dad. Prepared to throw himself into whatever situation he found himself in. His genes in that regard, and fortitude against adversity have certainly stuck with me. Sunday was an exhausting, emotional, but poignant day as I honoured my father, and also fundraised for Myeloma UK.
Myeloma is a cancer my dad had himself in his later years. A painful and gradually debilitating disease, I have no idea how he accomplished all that he did through such constant suffering.
Both of our love’s for sport, and physical exertion in general was undoubtedly born at St. Peters; this is something I will be forever thankful for. I can’t tell you how grateful we all are for what has been and will continued to be raised.
Thank you to the entirety of the St. Peter’s community for your support,
Harv, and the rest of the Gration’s.”
If you would like to donate to Myeloma UK through Harvey’s link, please visit this JustGiving page.
