Barefoot London Marathon: National Orchestra for All alum runs for change  — Orchestras for All

Barefoot London Marathon: National Orchestra for All alum runs for change 

Making a difference in music education, one step at a time… 

This spring, National Orchestra for All (NOFA) alum, Cameron Jacobs, will be taking on one of the most gruelling physical challenges imaginable – running the London Marathon. 

On Sunday 27 April, the 18-year-old musician will be joining his mum, Polly (pictured below), OFA supporter, Gabriel, and tens of thousands of other participants to make the annual 26.2-mile journey across the city. But he won’t just be running for himself. He’s running barefoot, with every step dedicated to a cause that’s close to his heart: increasing access to group music-making for young people across the UK. 

Cameron 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.

“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.”

Cameron’s journey is more than just an impressive athletic feat; it’s a story of resilience, passion and the transformative power of group music-making. Before joining NOFA as a trumpet player several years ago, he had experienced significant barriers to entry for playing in a national youth orchestra due to the daily life challenges he faces. 

Read more: 7 powerful benefits of inclusive music education >

Cameron and his mum, Polly

Pictured: NOFA alum, Cameron, with his mum, Polly.

Through NOFA, Cameron was able to boost his confidence and mental wellbeing, be part of a vibrant community, make lifelong friends from diverse backgrounds and do what he loved best – making music with others. 

Fast forward to today and Cameron is proud to be an OFA Ambassador. This is a paid role offered specially to NOFA alums at our charity to help them develop new skills and use their own lived experience to support and inspire current members.

Meet OFA’s Ambassadors >

He has also received an unconditional offer to study music at university, demonstrating the positive impact that OFA’s inclusive music-making activities have had on the course of his life. 

Now, Cameron wants to give back to others by using his marathon run to raise vital funds for OFA, enabling us to empower even more young musicians across the country who might not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy the many benefits of group music-making. 

Running the London Marathon is tough, but running it barefoot adds an entirely new level of challenge. Cameron’s decision to do so symbolises the growing need to break down barriers, face adversity head-on and stand strong for inclusivity in music education. This is a powerful reminder that endurance can help us to overcome any obstacle. 

Cameron (pictured middle, orange t-shirt), performs at CBSO Centre in Birmingham with NOFA. There are lots of other NOFA members wearing colourful branded OFA t-shirts in shot, holding up their trumpets and trombones. Some are wearing fun hats.

Bold brass: Cameron (pictured middle, orange t-shirt), performs at CBSO Centre in Birmingham with NOFA.

How can you support Cameron’s barefoot marathon? 

This campaign is more than just one person’s journey – it’s a move committed to raising awareness about the need for change in music and we would love for you to be part of it.  

Here’s how you can help: 

  • Please donate what you can: Every contribution, no matter how big or small, helps OFA provide musical instruments, life-changing programmes and holistic support for young people who need it the most. 

  • Share Cameron’s story: Spread the word on social media using our campaign hashtag, #BarefootForAll. 

  • Follow the journey: Stay updated on Cameron’s progress, training and London marathon day through OFA’s social media channels and sign up to OFA’s email newsletter for more.

Cameron’s barefoot marathon is a bold statement about resilience, inclusivity and the power of music to transform young lives. Let’s celebrate his extraordinary journey and help him reach his fundraising goal. Together, we can make music accessible to all, one step at a time. 

Please support Cameron’s barefoot marathon and donate what you can >