To celebrate Neurodiversity Week, we are delighted to welcome record‑breaking runner Matthew Akpan as a new supporter of our work to ensure every child and young person starts the day nourished, empowered and ready to learn.
Matthew, 37, from Leeds, is a five‑time Guinness World Record breaker and currently holds three world records for marathon and half‑marathon achievements. He is on the autism spectrum and is passionate about using his platform to champion children and young people who face barriers to learning, concentration and wellbeing.
Speaking about why he chose to support Magic Breakfast, Matthew said:
Magic Breakfast just screamed out to me because I know how important it is for children and young people to start the day in the best way! It felt like a natural fit and I’m delighted to be helping them champion and provide breakfasts until every child is nourished, empowered and thriving.”
For Matthew, breakfast has always been essential. He credits it with giving him the energy, focus and stability he needs to train, compete and thrive.
Having broken five Guinness World Records, the best way for me to start my day is by eating breakfast. It gives me the energy and spark I need to maintain my activities for the rest of the day. Starting the day strong is something I have been doing for 20 years because without it, I would not have grown and become the runner and person I am today. That development all started when I was at primary school.”
Matthew is passionate about simple, nutritious meals that help sustain energy and concentration. One of his favourites is beans on toast, which he describes as a great way to fuel up for the day.
He also shared a breakfast that supported him during his time in a SEND school, where concentration was a challenge:
When I was at school, concentration was a big obstacle for me, as it is for many children with ADHD, ADD and autism. A simple cheese omelette made from two eggs, a splash of milk and a pinch of salt, microwaved for a couple of minutes, really helped my concentration last for longer periods. Meals like that made a huge difference to my day.”
Matthew believes strongly in the power of breakfast to help children feel ready to learn, especially those who face additional barriers.
I think that fuelling with meals like beans, and every couple of days a good cheese omelette, really helped me. The protein kept me going for hours, and it helped me stay focused. I am very excited to be working with a charity that is so aligned to my values to ensure every young person is given the best start to the day and can reach their dreams.”
Matthew’s passion for nutrition and belief in the power of a good start make him a powerful advocate for Magic Breakfast’s mission.
We are thrilled to have him on board as we continue working to ensure every child and young person has the fuel they need to learn, grow and thrive.
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