In a remarkable display of determination, four colleagues from different offices recently took on marathons to raise funds for various charities. Their efforts not only showcased their personal endurance but also highlighted their commitment to making a positive impact.
Adam Boardman, a graduate surveyor in our building consultancy team based in our central London office, took on the Manchester Marathon. This was Adam's first marathon, and he completed it in an impressive time of 3 hours 26, despite the challenging heat. Adam met his target running alongside a friend of 15 years.
Adam shared his motivation for taking on this challenge: "I wanted a new challenge for 2025, so I decided a marathon was a good way to push myself. The training was a huge commitment, so I think I might stick to smaller distances in the future. I wanted to raise money for a charity close to me, Crohn’s & Colitis UK. This fantastic charity helps so many people facing a variety of challenges. Any donations will support vital research, awareness, and patient care.”
Rachel Cornthwaite, an agribusiness consultant in our Market Harborough office, participated in the London Marathon. She had hoped to complete the marathon in under five hours but faced intense heat on the day of the race, she finished in 5:23.
Rachel said: "I decided to enjoy it and cross the line rather than not make it there by going too fast. I had lots of friends and family supporting me, ensuring I had somebody at every point I needed to see them. I wanted to do something positive in repayment to the amazing Macmillan Cancer Support charity and wider statutory and non-statutory bodies who cared for my lovely Dad and us as a family. The kindness of complete strangers was a major standout from the day."
Lucy O'Hare, a senior surveyor in our commercial property management team based in our Worcester office, also took on the London Marathon. Lucy's dedication to the cause and her determination to complete the marathon were truly inspiring. She shared her thoughts on the experience:
"I was overwhelmed by the support from the crowd and the incredible atmosphere throughout the race. It was a tough challenge, but knowing I was running for a good cause kept me going. The sense of accomplishment when I crossed the finish line was indescribable.
“I ran for a local Worcester Charity - ‘Becoming Families’ who help families and women in both pregnancy and post birth. They run numerous free courses and sessions to help in those early days of a new baby’s life until 2 years old. I have received help myself in the past and would love to help this charity which is close to my heart.
Partner Steve Brittle from our Manchester office also ran the Manchester Marathon. He said: “Having competed the Manchester Marathon last year, I decided to give it another go this year. In undertaking any long-distance race, half the battle and achievement is making it the start line in some sort of decent physical and mental condition after a gruelling training program. I was hoping to better last years’ time, but it wasn’t meant to be, I still managed to finish in 3hrs 56mins so sub 4 hours was a great achievement especially give the heat, sun, and temperature on the day.
“A big thank you to the all the crowd and supporters that lined the street as they were amazing, providing shouts of encouragement, water, ice lollies, you don’t know how much it makes a difference to hear that encouragement when your mind is saying why am I doing this."
If you would like to support any of these colleagues in their fantastic fundraising efforts, please use the following links:
