Ted Marriott works between Suffolk and London as a copywriter, whilst pursuing work in theatre and the creative arts. His biggest challenge of 2021 is running the London Marathon, having signed up in early 2019. Ted, wanted a challenge, one that would push him out of his comfort zone and test his limits. He is hoping to raise as much as he can, for a very small wonderful charity Sarcoma UK, which close to his heart. Here he talks to Gina Long

What’s the impact of Covid-19 been on your life and how are you adapting?

I was very fortunate to spend a lot of lockdown in good company with my parents. In the early days me and my friends would regularly organise quizzes and Zoom meet-ups. I can’t believe the initial lockdown was over 18 months ago. Now I’m just trying to get used to this new kind of normal, but it’s good to be around friends and familiar faces again.

What is your connection to East Anglia?

I was born and raised in Suffolk in a small village called Tostock near Bury St Edmunds. My Dad was born and raised and has lived in Tostock his whole life too. I love East Anglia and visiting all its corners. Even though I spend time living and working between London and Suffolk, I think I’ll always consider it home.

What is your East Anglian Heaven i.e. what do you love most about East Anglia?

I love the history of cities and towns from Norwich, Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds and having them right on your doorstep. It’s easy to take a place like Bury St Edmunds for granted without realising the amazing architecture and history that’s right there alongside all the fantastic cafés, shops and Theatre Royal (which I believe is the only National Trust theatre in England).

What is your East Anglian Hell?

Some more regular buses would be great.

What’s your favourite East Anglian landmark?

Southwold Pier – I love visiting Southwold, I have lots of fond memories there.

What’s the best thing that happens in East Anglia every year?

A highlight of my year is Scaresville at Kentwell Hall, it’s a great night with friends that marks the year coming to a close.

What is your favourite restaurant?

Folk Café is fantastic – great atmosphere, food and staff. Having worked there from day one, it was also the place I visited with friends on my days off too. That says it all.

What your specialist Mastermind subject?

Probably the work and life of Britney Spears.

What is always in your fridge?

Feta cheese.

What’s your simple philosophy of life?

Take it easy on yourself.

What’s your favourite film?

Boyhood – it follows the life of a young boy from when he’s 6 up until he’s 18, it was shot over 12 years and it’s a very moving film.

What was your first job?

The operations section at Waitrose, when I was in sixth form.

What is your most treasured possession?

A blue woollen jumper my mum knitted for me.

Who do you admire most?

Michaela Coel – she’s one of the bravest most intelligent, genre-defying and funny creatives working today.

What is your biggest indulgence?

Bottomless brunch with all my friends, preferably at Folk Café!

What do you like about yourself most?

My ability to listen to other people and help as much as I can.

What’s your worst character trait?

I’m an over-thinker and worry a lot about the future, before I live in the present.

Where is your favourite holiday destination?

I really love going to Norfolk for a long weekend. Even though it’s reasonably close by, it has some gorgeous destinations to explore with friends. Norwich is one of my favourite cities; I’m planning on living there one day.

Best day of your life?

My last day at university where I got my results, had to go to my student house and pack up two years’ worth of living in about five hours and then go out for one final night with all my friends and housemates. It was a very full-on day full of celebrations and goodbyes.

What’s your favourite breakfast?

It’s boring but nothing beats good poached eggs on toast.

What’s your favourite tipple?

Long Island Ice Tea – it’s got everything you need in one.

What’s your hidden talent?

I can clap with one hand. You’re just going to have to trust me.

What’s your earliest memory?

Probably running up the road to my uncle’s house with my brother and sister. My earliest memories are full of my time spent in Tostock with my brother and sister.

Tell us something people don’t know about you?

I’ve recently discovered I have a long-last aunt in America. She’s my father’s half-sister and we discovered her through Ancestry.com this year.

What’s the worst thing anyone has ever said to you?

Hearing a friend of mine had unfortunately lost their battle with cancer.

Tell us why you live here and nowhere else?

I was very fortunate to grow up in the same spot. My parents are in or reaching retirement and they can’t think of anywhere else they’d rather be. I grew up surrounded by a supportive loving community with lots of space and everything we need close by. I feel very fortunate to consider East Anglia my real home.

What do you want to tell our readers about most?

Tomorrow, I am running the London Marathon to raise money for Sarcoma UK. They’re an amazing charity that do research into and support those living with or affected by Sarcoma, a rare of form of soft-tissue cancer. Anything you can donate will go a long way to helping their amazing, vital work that’s been hit so hard by Covid this year. The marathon was postponed by over 18 months, it’s such a thrill to finally get to do it. www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tedmarriottsarcoma Hope to see you along the route.