Our quantity surveyor Jacob Edwards has raised almost £2,400 for The Outward Bound Trust by running his first ever marathon.
A recent masters graduate, Jacob, from Chester, completed the London Marathon in just two hours and 55 minutes.
He says he has been “overwhelmed” by the support from colleagues, family and friends.
“The support I’ve had both financially and emotionally from everyone has been amazing. I’m so pleased with the amount raised; it was unfathomable to me that I could raise so much. It’s not just been my colleagues, but Anwyl’s subcontractors too who have been so generous with their donations.”
We also donated £600 towards Jacob’s total.
A first-time marathon runner, the 24-year-old turned his attention to the distance after completing the Manchester Half Marathon last year with a group of friends.
He explained: “After running the half, we all decided to enter the ballot for the London Marathon, but none of us were successful. A few months later our housing managing director Mathew Anwyl offered me the chance to run the London Marathon in support of The Outward Bound Trust – an opportunity I jumped at.”
The Outward Bound Trust is an educational charity that uses outdoor experiences and challenges to develop young people, equipping them with skills for education, work and life. Founded in 1941, it now has six residential centres in the UK, working with young people aged nine to 24.
Jacob said: “I grew up near Snowdonia, so many of the places the Outward Bound Trust takes young people to are places I used to spend time in as a child. Having that privileged experience growing up – with the mountains and lakes on our doorstep – I wanted to give more young people the same opportunities I had growing up, especially those who wouldn’t otherwise have access to nature and adventure.”
“Mathew has a long-standing connection with The Outward Bound Trust and has run several marathons himself, so I jumped at the chance to run for such a great cause.
“Mathew’s support was there from the start – from advice on training and nutrition to a phone call just moments after I crossed the line, letting me know he was proud.”
Jacob said he found both the training and the race enjoyable. “I like to have something to set my mind on and push myself towards. I think running became my whole personality for about three months!
“The race day was amazing. I’d watched the marathon in London in 2024 and I was really taken aback by how many people dedicate their day to supporting the runners. It’s non-stop support as you run.
“After the race, I called my mum, and the emotion of the day just poured out. It was a moment I won’t forget.”
No stranger to a challenge, Jacob’s achievements came just a month after he graduated with a master’s degree in quantity surveying and commercial management from Liverpool John Moores University.
He added: “Balancing a master’s degree alongside full-time work wasn’t straightforward, far from it. But again, I had lots of support, and the degree was sponsored by Anwyl. I finished my dissertation in September last year and went straight into marathon training, so it was good to have another goal to focus on. It’s been a huge year, but I know I’m only just getting started.”
Mathew Anwyl said: “Jacob’s achievements this year – running his first marathon, raising money for charity and completing his master’s degree – are very impressive. The whole team at Anwyl is really proud of him. He has shown us all what can be achieved when you work hard towards your goals. We look forward to seeing what he has planned next.”
To donate to Jacob’s fundraiser visit: https://2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/jacob-edwards.
