What is Miles for Montessori 2026 about?
Miles for Montessori 2026 is a fundraising initiative, set up by Ben Kempley, to help fund the Ellie Kempley Scholarship which covers one AMI 3-6 Diploma or AMI 0-3 Diploma student’s course fees per year.
Ellie’s friends and family will be running, hiking, and cycling from Leeds to London to fundraise for the Ellie Kempley Scholarship.
When is it?
From 3rd to 9th May 2026.
Who was Ellie Kempley?
Ellie Kempley was a student on the AMI 3-6 Diploma course at the Maria Montessori Institute when she very sadly and tragically died due to Sudden Adult Death Syndrome.
Ellie was dedicated to changing children’s lives through
education and was deeply passionate about the Montessori
method. She always dreamed of opening her own nursery.
Though Ellie never got to finish her course at the Maria Montessori Institute, her family knew her passion had to live on. That’s why they set up the Ellie Kempley Scholarship.
Where is Miles for Montessori taking place?
The route connects two places central to Ellie’s life – starting at Rigg Farm Montessori, where she taught, and finishing at the Maria Montessori Institute, where she trained. Their journey includes three 50km ultramarathons, two 135km+ cycles, and two 25km+ hikes through demanding terrain, including the Peak District and the Cotswolds.
Who has signed up so far?
Our 130+ participants span ages, backgrounds, and abilities, travelling from across the UK, US, Australia, and Europe. While most will complete individual stages, Ellie’s older brother, Ben, and ex-partner, Ryan, will take on the full journey.
How You Can Help
Ellie Kempley Foundation channels:
Instagram – @elliekempleyfoundation
TikTok – @elliekempleyfoundation
Facebook – facebook.com/elliekempleyfoundation
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/elliekempleyfoundation
Maria Montessori Institute channels:
Instagram – @montessorimmi
Facebook – @MariaMontessoriInstitute1
X – @montessorimmi
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/maria-montessori-institute
