A FORMER pupil of Bournemouth’s Talbot Heath School returned to talk to current students about her role as Eddie Izzard’s tour manager.

Sarah Johnson has recently returned from South Africa where she worked as part of the support team for Eddie’s epic 27 marathons in 27 days for Sport Relief.

The challenge represented the 27 years Nelson Mandela spent in prison and raised an incredible £2.2 million.

Sarah, who left the school in 2001, was responsible for health and safety issues, organising accommodation and managing the media.

She spoke of many highlights throughout the trip which included a potentially dangerous route through a safari park with an armed ranger, an emotional visit to Robben Island where Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of the 27 years and a surprise phone call from Tim Peake from the ISS one evening during dinner.

Following the talk Sarah hosted a question and answer session with the pupils whose questions ranged from the South African climate and diet, to Eddie’s running times and choice of nail polish. Sarah also presented a signed section of the finishing line ribbon, used throughout the marathons, as a thank you to the school for their fundraising and support.

Deputy Head, Matthew Pitcher, who will run the London marathon this weekend, said: “Eddie is an inspiration to anyone who runs.As someone who has run a marathon I know the pain he must have felt after day one - the mind boggles how he ran 27.”