Tom is running the London Marathon for The Outward Bound Trust

Tom Roberts is running the London Marathon in aid of The Outward Bound Trust and is asking for donations to "morally bind a 17 stone 10 pound man suffering a midlife crisis to get up at 5 in the morning or earlier and stumble his way around the back lanes of Devon in the pitch black during the coldest months of the year". 

The Outward Bound Trust is an "educational charity that inspires young people to believe they can achieve more than they ever thought possible".

Tom Roberts

Talking about why he chose to raise money for the Outward Bound Trust, Tom said: "Growing up and living in Devon it's hard to avoid the great outdoors! I won't make a shopping list of the activities I've been involved in and those that I still do, just to say that both my family and I get a lot back from being involved.

"I've been privileged to grow up in the right area with incredibly supportive parents and surrounded by a community of people who encourage and facilitate getting out in the hot, dry, wet, freezing, exhausting, often painful yet exhilarating world of ours. Leaving you with a feeling that you can take on anything!

"Indeed when confronted with a hectic year and a growing lack of fitness I thought the best solution was to sign up to the London Marathon and head things off at the pass.

"The roles I've worked in over the last 20 years have exposed me to the reality that the opportunities I took for granted put me in a privileged minority. I think giving people the opportunity to experience outdoor adventures is important (even if it means confirmation that creature comforts are more your thing)." 

Tom is continuing his training in the early hours and the London Marathon takes place on Sunday, 23 April. 

The recent bingo night in East Portlemouth Village Hall in aid of Tom's challenge

In order to add to the money raised, a bingo night was held at East Portlemouth Village Hall just over a week ago, raising an extra £572.57 and Tom has also organised a raffle. Included in the raffle is a £250 voucher for the Gara Rock, donated by Gara Rock, a one night getaway at Meadow Barn Farm, donated by John and Liz, a dumpy bag of green firewood, donated by Don at Form & Function, two pairs of 14oz Yeti Rambler mugs, donated by Tris and Liz at Stones Boatyard, a limited edition bottle of Port Waterhouse Rum, donated by Crispin and Hannah at Port Waterhouse, a £35 voucher to be spent at The Pigs Nose, donated by Joss at The Pigs Nose, Two Bean to Bar Gift Boxes,Donated by Salcombe Dairy, two Salcombe Brewery gift beer selections, donated by Salcombe Brewery, a smart black leather day bag, donated by Herring Shoes, a £30 voucher to be spent at Doofrii, donated by Jessie Watson, a Tesco Pamper Hamper and a Morrisons luxury food hamper. You can get raffle tickets by donating using Tom's donation page HERE and commenting with your name and phone number on your donation and you will have one ticket added to the raffle for every £1 you donate. 

The recent bingo night in East Portlemouth Village Hall in aid of Tom's challenge

You can find out more about the Outward Bound Trust or donate to Tom's challenge by visiting his marathon website: 2023tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/tom-roberts/