News

Paul Connor's Race for Life

On 3 May, Paul Connor took part in a 5K Race for Life in support of Cancer Research UK, setting himself an initial goal of raising £1,000. The response from his friends and the Ampleforth community was incredible, so much so that he was able to raise his target three times, with a final ambition of raising £9,000. Thanks to the Ampleforth Society and College community, he has now raised £10,000, including Gift Aid, a very meaningful sum.

Paul’s motivation is deeply personal. In 2020, his wife Tracey was diagnosed with breast cancer. Paul has seen first‑hand the devastating physical, emotional and mental toll of the disease, not only through Tracey’s experience but also through the loss and diagnoses of close friends, colleagues and family members. 

Although a 5K may seem modest to some, it represents a major challenge for Paul. Following a serious injury in his early twenties, running and even walking are painful. Nevertheless, his commitment is simple: to push himself, finish the race, and do something meaningful. 

Paul’s family was told that Tracey had hope because of advances made through cancer research over the past twenty years. 

“It was research that saved Tracey — without it, she wouldn’t be here.” 

Paul ran with the mission to help provide hope and support for those affected by cancer. Any donation via the Giving Page will help fund vital research that saves lives. 

A few words from Paul Connor 

Words cannot express how grateful I am for the incredible support I have received for my 5K run in support of Cancer Research UK. The Ampleforth Society has been fantastic, with some amazingly kind and generous donations and some wonderfully warm messages of support (from OAs whose memories of my lessons are obviously fading!). It was cold and pouring with rain on the day, and I’m aching all over, but it was worth every moment for such an important cause. My Giving page is still open if anyone would still like to donate, but my overriding message is one of thanks, gratitude and humility.

Thank you so much again.

Paul Connor 

Country Sports Flourish at Ampleforth

Country sports continue to thrive at Ampleforth, and we are grateful to Eliz Cook, Ampleforth’s Countryside Sport Coordinator, for organising a simulated clay shoot for students and their parents.

Last Sunday, Country Sports students took part in a simulated clay pigeon shoot, joined by a number of Old Amplefordians and parents. Participants were divided into three teams, with each shooter supported by a parent or peer acting as ‘loader’, encouraging teamwork and shared involvement throughout the afternoon.

The event was marked by a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, with some friendly competition between parents and their children as to who could hit the most clays. The afternoon concluded with a delicious barbecue, enjoyed in glorious sunshine.

Eliz commented that the students have been an “absolute dream to work with” throughout the season and are a great credit to Ampleforth College. Country sports remain very popular at the College, with students able to take part in a range of pursuits in the Valley, including Shooting, Gamekeeping, and Fishing.

It is always a pleasure to see different generations coming together around shared interests, and we invite you to view the link below for more photographs from the day.

Thank you to Hugh Codrington for the amazing photos and capturing such special moments. 

https://www.ampleforthcollege.org.uk/clay-shoot-april-2026-album

OA Super Saturday 21^st March 2026 : A Celebration of Sport and Reunions 

The Ampleforth community gathered in fine style in Hong Kong recently for a wonderful evening at the Hong Kong Club, bringing together Old Amplefordians, current and former parents, and friends of Ampleforth from across the region, generously hosted by Mrs Agnes Chiu Lee, mother of Christian Lee (D19).

The conditions were pretty good today on the Senior A course and helped to produce some fast times in the latest OA Cross Country event.  

The OA team retain the Corbould Cup (we really do need to find out if there is an actual trophy!) but the students ran well to achieve the closest score in recent years.  This was particularly evident in the tight competition between the leading OA woman (Lucinda Lumley, A 2014) and Olivia Bellamy (M, 10) who were battling only seconds apart throughout the whole race. Olivia was the first Ampleforth College runner home in just over 30 minutes which is an outstanding effort; it bodes well for her next race in a week's time at the North Yorkshire XC Championships. 

The full results (attached) show lots of encouraging improvements from the students, and a few of the veterans (!), from only a few months ago.

Thanks to Ceri Dent as safety staff, Sonia Paston-Bedingfield for the photos and the support from many others around the course.

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Dr Brendan J Anglim