The Potters Friends Foundation’s Every Second Counts campaign is going the distance — quite literally — as support for two incredible medical charities continues into 2027.
Last summer, we launched a campaign to raise £50,000 for Norfolk Accident Rescue Service (NARS) and BASICS Essex — two first response charities that provide critical care in emergency situations.
In September, that incredible target was met. But not before two familiar faces had pledged their support to these vital organisations well into the new year.
Yes, if you haven’t already seen, Entertainers Jack Jenkins and Jemma Hampton Barrett will take on the 2027 London Marathon, running for NARS and BASICS Essex respectively.
The team has raised £50,000 for NARS and BASICS Essex since last summerThe world-famous event next year will take place across two days, allowing over 100,000 participants to enter across the weekend of Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th April 2027.
As such, the pair have plenty of time to prepare for the small matter of 26.2 miles.
The campaign continues
Every Second Counts was launched in the summer of 2025 to raise funds and awareness for NARS and BASICS Essex, whose highly trained volunteers — including doctors, nurses, paramedics and community first responders — provide critical medical care alongside the ambulance service when serious incidents occur across our two counties.
The campaign’s message is simple: when someone is in need of urgent medical attention, every second counts.
The charities receive no government funding, so donations help them maintain the vehicles, equipment and specialist resources their volunteers need to deliver that care and ultimately save lives.
Nathan Moore of Potters Resorts attended BASICS Essex’s AGM in September to present them with their cheque for £25,000. Credit: Joe Tye, Simply Better CommunicationsThanks to the generosity of our wonderful guests and team, we’ve hit the incredible £50,000 mark — but Jack and Jemma’s continued efforts will see the Every Second Counts campaign continue into the new year.
Going the Extra Mile
For Jack, the 2027 marathon represents another chapter in his long-running relationship with NARS. In 2024, his Jack’s Drive to Save Lives campaign saw him complete a series of increasingly daring challenges and raise an incredible £55,000 for a new first responder vehicle.
Jack (centre) with the car purchased following his daredevil exploits, with Chris Neil (left) and Steve Maddams (right) NARS“I obviously thought I’d done enough crazy challenges for one lifetime,” Jack says. “But I’ve always wanted to run the marathon and I’m really proud to be supporting NARS again.
“Our guests are always so generous. I feel like they appreciate and know the story of these two amazing charities. So hopefully we can raise plenty more money for their life-saving work.”
Jemma, who along with four other colleagues joined Jack to take on the Maldon Mud Race earlier this year, will be flying the flag for BASICS Essex, extending the Every Second Counts support across the county.
Jack (second from left) and Jemma (second from right) ran the 2026 Maldon Mud Race with colleagues“It’s fantastic that the campaign is continuing into 2027,” says Jemma. “BASICS Essex do such important work, and I’m really pleased to be able to play a small part in supporting them. Although I’m not sure I’ve fully appreciated just how far 26.2 miles actually is!”
Let training commence
With more than eight months to go, both runners are taking a sensible approach. Although there have already been plenty of discussions about running shoes, training plans and exactly how early a Sunday morning run can reasonably start.
“I’m calling it preparation rather than training at the moment,” Jack admits.
Jemma agrees: “We’re definitely in the early stages. My new running group meets outside the local pub. Sadly, they don’t sell wine in takeaway cups!
“There’s a long way to go, so we’ll build it up gradually — and try to enjoy it along the way.”
Jemma has commenced training for the 2027 London MarathonWith more miles, fundraising and definitely a few aches and pains still to come, Jack and Jemma’s London Marathon journey will be another exciting chapter in the Every Second Counts campaign — and another opportunity to shine a light on the extraordinary volunteers working to save lives across Norfolk and Essex.
The campaign continues. The training begins. And every second still counts.
You can follow Jack and Jemma’s progress on the official Potters Resorts Facebook Group. Meanwhile, on your next visit to Potters, keep an eye out for ways to donate via the Potters Friends Foundation.
If you’d like to donate online, simply visit our official GiveWheel page for Every Second Counts. Please note, a transaction fee applies for online donations.
