A former trumpeter in the National Orchestra for All will run the London Marathon barefoot next Sunday, 27 April, to support increasing access to music-making for young people in the UK.
Cameron Jacobs (18) will run alongside his mother and an Orchestras for All (OFA) supporter on the 26.2-mile journey across the capital, which traditionally attracts tens of thousands of participants.
Jacobs said: ‘I have ADHD, Autism and Tourette’s, and when I was 11 years old I was going through a bit of a tricky time. Orchestras for All came along, took me on as a trumpet player, and gave me a place to belong and be completely me.’ Previously, he had experienced significant barriers to joining a national youth orchestra because of his condition.
‘Orchestras for All has been really life-transforming for me and this is why I wanted to raise money for them by doing this barefoot challenge. I hope this enables more young people who are facing significant challenges in their life to be part of this incredible organisation.’
Today, Jacobs is an OFA Ambassador and a university music student.
Jacobs is seeking to raise £3,500. To make a donation, visit here.
