A student from Ipswich is putting his best foot forward by running the London Marathon on behalf of the people who have helped him adjust to his new life in the UK.
Osman Abdullah, 19, from Ipswich – who studies English (ESOL) and Maths at Suffolk New College – will be raising money for the YMCA who have supported him since moving to this region.
To get up to speed with his training, he has been regularly pacing the streets of the town where he lives, in preparation for this year’s 26 mile run around the capital city that will take place on 27 April 2025.
The teenager, who came to the UK from Sudan two years ago, hopes to raise £2000.00 for the YMCA and can’t wait to be part of this iconic event that started in 1981, and is this year celebrating its 44th anniversary.
Osman said: “I’ve never run a marathon before – but the training is going very well. I run with a friend around Ipswich. I also do yoga. I’m really excited by this. The YMCA will be supporting me during the run and I’m determined to compete the course.”
Osman – who has been regularly hitting half marathons in the build up to the big one – is determined to run his own race. He continued: “It will be easy to get carried away – but I have a target, I’ve put the work in – and I can’t wait to be part of this.”
In terms of his fundraising, Osman added: “So far I’ve raised around over £600.00 for the YMCA. I’m so grateful to them and want to raise as much as I can for people who have helped me so much. I really want to give something back to the YMCA, as I lived there and know they need extra help financially.’
To support Osman in his fundraising, Suffolk New College has donated some branded training kit and will also be buying him some trainers. Head of Marketing at Suffolk New College, Craig Shimmon, said: “Hats off to Osman. He is a true inspiration.
Supporting him via the donation of training kit is the least we can do.”
The college is also staging a few other events, some of which have been arranged by students, whereby people can donate money to Osman’s cause. Osman added: “I am grateful to everyone for their support.”
To donate to Osman’s charity effort you can visit here: YMCA England & Wales: Osman’s page