26 Miles for Bursaries | Charterhouse School

Two Old Carthusians, Jack Williams (P25) and Massimo Sevensma-Wells (g25), are taking on the Geneva Marathon with a purpose: to push themselves, reconnect with the community, and raise support for the Charterhouse Bursary Programme. Their story is one of gratitude and a desire to open doors for the next generation. We had the chance to catch up with them and hear more about what this challenge means to them.

What inspired you both to take on the Geneva Marathon, and why was supporting Charterhouse and the Bursary Programme the cause that mattered most to you?

The Geneva Marathon was something that we felt would push us physically and mentally, while also giving us the opportunity to do something meaningful beyond ourselves. Supporting Charterhouse, and specifically the Bursary Programme, was an easy decision. We both recognise how formative our time at the School was, and the idea of helping to make that experience accessible to others felt genuinely important. It’s a way of giving something tangible back.

How did your time at Charterhouse shape the resilience, discipline, or sense of service that you’re drawing on during this challenge?

Charterhouse instilled a strong sense of discipline and resilience, often in ways you don’t fully appreciate at the time. Whether through academic pressure, sport, or simply learning to manage independence, you develop habits that stay with you. Whether it was 1st XI football or events such as Pontifex, we thoroughly enjoyed the challenges the School put in front of us, hence preparing us well for endurance challenges such as this.

How has connecting with the Old Carthusian community shaped your experience of preparing for the marathon?

The OC network has been a real source of encouragement. There’s something motivating about knowing people are following your progress and supporting what you’re doing, especially when it’s tied to a shared experience like Charterhouse.
 

Why do you believe bursaries are so important to the future of the School, and what does it mean to you personally to help open doors for the next generation?

Charterhouse allows you to have a massive advantage in many areas of life. Bursaries allow talented individuals to access these advantages, not only giving them a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity but also benefiting the Charterhouse community. On a personal level, contributing to that feels significant; it’s about helping to create opportunities that can genuinely change someone’s trajectory, just as many of us benefited from the environment the School provides. I have specifically learned in the past six months since leaving Charterhouse how lucky we were to experience such things. The metaphorical ‘leg up’ you hear about whilst at School is extremely prominent, especially since going into the workplace.
 

What would you say to fellow OCs who might be considering supporting Charterhouse and the School’s Bursary Programme or taking on a challenge of their own?

Combining a personal challenge with a cause does give it an added sense of purpose. Supporting the Bursary Programme is a very direct way to have an impact, and it’s something that connects all of us who went through Charterhouse. Even small contributions can add up. It’s a rewarding experience to give back to a community that served you.