Following his recent fundraising efforts for Awutu Winton School, OC Kerry Gunu C23 had the privilege of meeting Rodney Oliver W55 last weekend, a visit that proved to be both inspiring and thought-provoking.

After reading about Kerry’s fundraising for the Reading Half Marathon in a recent OC newsletter, Rodney reached out, keen to connect with a fellow runner. Having completed the Reading Half Marathon an impressive 12 times himself, alongside the London, Berlin, and Paris Marathons, Rodney warmly invited Kerry over for tea, leading to an unforgettable afternoon of stories and shared passion for running.

Rodney remains deeply connected to Canford and spoke fondly of his time at the school in the 1950s. As a former judge, his career took him across Africa, where he met people from all walks of life, including in Ghana. His home is filled with Ghanaian sculptures gifted to him by friends, each one a reminder of the places and people that shaped his journey. Despite losing many of his contemporaries, Rodney still keeps up with OC newsletters, cherishing his connection to the school community. 

This meeting is a wonderful example of the power of OC connections, how sharing news and stories can bring together alumni from different generations, creating meaningful relationships that might never have formed otherwise. Kerry reflected on just how much the visit meant: "A simple visit to share stories and listen to his wisdom meant so much. And I’ll definitely be seeing him again after my run."

Rodney’s story is a testament to the lifelong impact of the Canford community, and his passion for running, and life, continues to inspire.

Read Kerry's fundraising story here.