Disability no barrier for site manager, marathon runner and engineering student Jack

Added by Love Business East Midlands | 1 February 2023

Site manager Jack Foster is not letting disability stand in the way of achieving his personal goals.

Jack, 25, has cerebral palsy with an autism element but is currently training for this third marathon while also studying for his civil engineering HNC with Derby College Group. 

He has already raised £2,000 for national charity Cerebral Palsy Sport in the five years since he took up running, completing the Rutland and Robin Hood marathons.  

Jack, who is a site manager with construction group Eurovia, is grateful to both his college lecturers and his employer for their support.

He said:

“My disability affects how I digest information. I have a shorter attention span and I struggle with motor skills. It’s meant I’ve had to look at how I learn and develop so I can do things differently and get the most out of college. Derby College has offered me one-to-one support, advice if I need it and extra time to finish assignments.”

Jack, who last year won the Institute of Civil Engineers East Midlands civil engineering achiever award, originally wanted to become an accountant but instead decided to retrain as an engineer.

He added:

“My employer has been understanding too. I’ve been told I can work from home if I need to and it’s ok to get up and go for a walk if my muscles are hurting. My condition can be painful and I get tired. It is manageable though if I do my stretches. Some days are worse than others.”

Jack would like to be a contracts manager one day but for now is happy studying for his HNC and gaining more on the job experience. He currently splits his time at work between the office and helping  to run a Derby-based construction project on site. In his free time, he runs twice in the week and again at weekends, with Clumber Park near his  Nottinghamshire home, his favourite place to train. 

Jack added:

“I enjoy running and plan to take part in the Rutland Marathon again next year. My times weren’t great in my previous marathons but I got there!’

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