Andrew Baker, Managing Director at Zest Outdoor Living, has successfully completed the Boston Marathon, one of the world’s most iconic running events, while raising money for Zest’s chosen charities, Tenovus Cancer Support and North Wales Wildlife Trust.  

Andrew completed the race on 20th April in a time of 3:16:02. Boston was his 16th marathon and a long-held 'bucket list' goal, having qualified for the race by achieving the required qualifying standard at the end of 2024.

Widely regarded as the world’s oldest annual marathon and one of the most prestigious races in the sport, Boston is also one of the six World Marathon Majors. For Andrew, whose marathon journey has included races in London, Manchester, Berlin, Cologne and Valencia, taking part represented the achievement of a major personal ambition.

Andrew commented, “For a few years now, Boston has been the goal. It has taken a lot of early morning training runs, discipline, and consistency to get to this point, but qualifying for and completing the Boston Marathon has made it all worthwhile.

“My training was far from ideal and was heavily impacted by injury, so just getting to the start line felt like an achievement in itself. To then complete the race, with my son Noah there supporting me, made it even more special.”

Andrew first took up running in 2010, he then went on to run his first marathon in 2012.

He explained, “I started running in 2010 by taking part in the Manchester 10k to raise money for Cancer Research UK following the loss of my dad. At the time, I had no intention of becoming a marathon runner, but getting involved in Zest and P&A Group’s annual charity fundraising gave me the motivation to take on new challenges — and from there, I eventually got the running bug.  I am probably a bit competitive with myself, but running has given me so much over the years. It is tough at first, but once you push through the initial challenges, the benefits can be life changing. It is more than exercise; it supports physical wellbeing, mental resilience and, through fundraising, gives us a chance to help others too.”

This year, Andrew used the Boston Marathon to raise awareness and funds for two charities chosen by Zest and the wider P&A Group.

“Tenovus Cancer Support does incredible work providing treatment, expert advice and support in the heart of the community. North Wales Wildlife Trust is brilliant at protecting and restoring wildlife and wild places across our region, while also helping people connect with and take action for nature. They are both causes we are proud to support.”

Since 2010, employees at Zest and the wider P&A Group have raised and donated more than £200,000 for a wide range of local and national charities, including MS Cymru, North Clwyd Animal Rescue, Dementia UK, British Heart Foundation, Macmillan Cancer Support, Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith Children’s Hospices, Cancer Research UK, Action for Children, Alzheimer’s Society, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Meningitis Now and MIND.

The Boston Marathon is just one part of this year’s fundraising activity. In June, colleagues from Zest and the wider P&A Group will also be taking on a 70 mile relay charity walk along the North Wales coast, continuing their efforts to support Tenovus Cancer Support and North Wales Wildlife Trust.

To donate to the 2026 charities, visit: https://www.p-a-group.com/charity