Making possible happen, one mile at a time: Gaz and Jade take on the London Marathon!

We’re excited to share that our very own Petty Pool College Principal, Gareth ‘Gaz’ Edwards, and fellow runner Jade Sargeant are lacing up their trainers to take on the 2027 TCS London Marathon for Petty Pool Trust!

With months of training ahead and 26.2 miles through the streets of London waiting for them, Gaz and Jade have a big challenge ahead – but an even bigger reason to keep going!

More than a marathon

For Gaz, who spends his working days helping our learners build confidence, discover their strengths and achieve things they may once have thought impossible, this challenge is about much more than crossing the finish line.

“Running the London Marathon is about much more than getting around 26.2 miles, which will be difficult in itself!” said Gaz.

“The statistics facing many of the young people and adults we support are still simply not good enough.

“Behind those statistics are people with ambitions, skills and huge amounts to contribute. They just need the opportunities to do it.

“That is why I’m running.”

Across Petty Pool, we see every day what can happen when people are given the right support and opportunities to thrive.

Whether it’s a learner taking their first steps into employment, someone discovering a new skill, making a friendship or growing in independence, it’s those everyday achievements that make what we do so special.

And they’re the moments that will make every training mile worthwhile.

“I see every day what can happen when someone is given the right support, the right environment and the opportunity to show what they can do,” Gaz added.

“We don’t accept that someone’s starting point should determine where they finish.

“Petty Pool is about making possible happen. Over the next few months, I’m going to try to make 26.2 miles possible too and hopefully raise a lot of money along the way.”

Two runners, one shared ambition

Joining him on the road to London is Jade Sargeant, whose connection with Petty Pool began through her work at local business Buccaneer Group. Now, she’s swapping branded clothing for running gear as she takes on the marathon to support a charity right on her doorstep!

Jade said: “Through my work at Buccaneer, I’ve got to see a little of what Petty Pool is all about, and it’s great to have the chance to support a charity doing so much for people in our local community.

“Running a marathon is definitely going to be a challenge, but I’m excited to take it on alongside Gaz! Hopefully.”

The pair will be joining thousands of runners for a particularly special edition of the London Marathon, which will take place across two days for the first time on 24 and 25 April 2027.

And their fundraising is already off to a flying start!

A huge thank you to UK home-services technology company Helpi, which has generously pledged £1,000 towards Gaz’s marathon challenge.

Dan Quinn, of Helpi, said: “Having known Gaz for some time, I know how passionate he is about Petty Pool and the difference it makes to young people’s lives.

“When he told me he was taking on the London Marathon, we were delighted to get behind him. It’s a fantastic challenge for a brilliant cause.

“We’ll be cheering him on every step of the way!”

Help us cheer them on!

There’s a long road to London ahead, and we’d love our whole Petty Pool community to get behind Gaz and Jade as they clock up the miles.

Every donation, share and word of encouragement will help them along the way, while supporting our work to create more opportunities for young people and adults with learning disabilities and difficulties.

And while crossing that finish line will be an incredible achievement, Gaz is clear about what matters most.

“Please follow the journey, share it and, if you can, sponsor. Every mile and every pound can help create another opportunity.”

Let’s help Gaz and Jade make possible happen, one mile at a time!

Sponsor Gaz: https://2027tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/gareth-edwards-0af06

Follow Gaz’s journey on Instagram here

Support Jade: https://2027tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/jade-sargeant