FOUR of Great Britain's Olympic Gold Medalists are speaking as guests at Taunton School's Olympic-themed BTEC fundraising event on Friday.

The GB Men's 4x100m Relay team, Jason Gardener MBE, Darren Campbell MBE, Mark Lewis-Francis MBE, and Marlon Devonish MBE, won Gold at the Athens 2004 Olympics. Now they are championing the importance of the school's BTEC scholarship fund.

Olympic Sprint Champion Jason, from Bath, said: "I did a BTEC in Business Finance, and that helped me go to university. So I am a big champion of BTECS."

"Taunton School's fundraiser is a great opportunity for the team to come together and share our experiences.

"Each of us [the team] was given a kickstart in our introduction to athletics at school. Without that opportunity, we wouldn't be the athletes and Olympians we are.

"We want to inspire the pupils at Taunton School and to raise funds to support the scholarship programme. Those funds could be vital to providing somebody with a chance to fulfil their potential."

Jason, who has two children aged 17 and 20, said: "When I was growing up, it was felt that people in the South West or Somerset couldn't be as competitive as those big clubs in the inner city.

"We had no facilities, I trained on a derelict track in Melksham. Now, the University of Bath has some wonderful facilities, a small training village, which has transformed this area as it is reachable as a gateway for the South West."

"The amount of success coming from this region has been very special indeed, but it is very important to keep investing in young people."

Taunton School writes: "Year 13 BTEC Business students are proud to be organising an Olympic-themed charity evening on Friday 24th May in the Densham Suite at Taunton School. To help us celebrate the evening, we will have special guests Jason Gardener, Darren Campbell, Mark Lewis-Francis and Christian Malcolm to speak about their experience in the Olympics.

"There will be a charity auction, with prizes including signed memorabilia, hotel experiences and alcohol tasting days amongst other prices, that can be bid for on the evening. All monies raised will contribute towards a BTEC Scholarship for a student in academic year 2024/25. 

"A 3-course sit-down dinner with wine will be served; vegetarian options will be available. Choices can be made ahead of the evening. 

"Multiple packages are available including meet and greet packages and VIP tables. In addition there is even the opportunity to host the guest speakers at your private table."

Taunton School's fundraising event will take place on Friday 24th May, with tickets available to purchase for £55 using this link.