In April 2027, Firwood Waterloo player Yousef Edris will be swapping his rugby boots for running shoes as he takes on the TCS London Marathon, raising money for Teenage Cancer Trust in memory of his friend and Waterloo teammate, Jago Ford, who sadly died from cancer in 2025.
Jago and Yousef played rugby together at Waterloo, and throughout Jago’s battle with cancer, Teenage Cancer Trust was there to support him during an unimaginably difficult time.
For Yousef, the decision to take on a marathon has a particularly special connection to Jago.
The two once sat together over a coffee and joked about Yousef running a marathon to raise money. At the time, it was just one of those conversations neither expected to actually become reality — particularly given Yousef’s well-known lack of enthusiasm for running!
But the conversation stayed with him.
When the opportunity came to secure a charity place in the 2027 London Marathon for Teenage Cancer Trust, Yousef knew exactly why he wanted to do it.
He has now committed to raising a minimum of £2,500, with the money he raises going into Jago’s Legacy pot at Teenage Cancer Trust, helping to continue something positive in Jago’s name.
The support so far has been incredible, with more than £1,350 already raised — over halfway towards the target — but there is still plenty more to come between now and marathon day.
As part of the fundraising, Yousef will be holding a Teenage Cancer Trust bake sale at Waterloo, with cakes available for a minimum donation and all proceeds going towards the fundraiser.
There will also be plenty more fundraising to come over the season as the miles gradually increase in preparation for the full 42.2km.
Yousef said:
“The support so far has been unbelievable and I’m massively grateful to everyone who has donated, shared the page or got behind me.
“Jago and I once joked over a coffee about me running a marathon to raise money, so it means a lot to now actually be doing it in his memory.
“I still dislike running just as much as when I started, but knowing why I’m doing it makes every kilometre worthwhile.
“Hopefully we can get as many of the Waterloo family behind it as possible and raise as much as we can for Teenage Cancer Trust in Jago’s name.”
Anyone wishing to support Yousef can donate through his London Marathon fundraising page:
