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# Ipswich teen's marathon bid to repay charity that helped him adapt to UK life
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/ipswich-teens-marathon-bid-to-repay-charity-that-helped-him-adapt-to-uk-life/
- Published: 2025-04-11T11:44:27.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:14:42.000Z
- Description: Osman Abdullah, 19, will tackle the 26-mile course on 27 April to raise money for the charity that supported him since moving to the UK from Sudan.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Grants, Donations & Fundraising, Third Sector, Further Education, #article, Suffolk New College, YMCA, #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**Why it matters:** The [Suffolk New College](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/suffolk-new-college/) student hopes to raise £2,000 for the YMCA, which has helped him adjust to life in the UK after arriving from Sudan two years ago.

![Osman in his training kit outside the college](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1744371654-osman-in-his-training-kit-outside-the-college-2.jpg)

Osman in his training kit outside the college (Suffolk New College)

**The details:** Osman, who studies English (ESOL) and Maths, has been training regularly on the streets of Ipswich in preparation for the event.

"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 complete the course," he said.

**By the numbers:** Osman has already raised over £600 towards his target and has been completing half marathons in preparation for the 26-mile run.

**Support efforts:** Suffolk New College has donated branded training kit and will be buying him trainers to support his fundraising effort.

Craig Shimmon, Head of Marketing at Suffolk New College, 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 additional fundraising events, some organised by students.

**The bottom line:** "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," Osman said.

Those wishing to donate to Osman's charity effort can visit his fundraising page on the [YMCA England & Wales website](https://2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/osman-abdullah?utm%5Fcampaign=website&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fsource=enthuse&ref=ipswich.co.uk).

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