MAFS groom Jake Edwards makes big announcement and shows off makeover
Jake Edwards is making some big life changes.
The Married At First Sight groom revealed on Instagram yesterday that he's taking a step back from his role as CEO of Outside the Locker Room, the charity he founded six years ago.
"Six years ago, following the toughest period of my life, Outside the Locker Room (@otlr) was born through a desire to help others struggling with their mental health..." he wrote.
"Over that time I put together a program to educate and support young people which has now been delivered to over 400 sporting clubs and schools across Australia...
"It's been an opportunity which has allowed me to connect - and tell my story - to thousands of people, many who were struggling with their own challenges. It's been a privilege I will be forever grateful for...
Jake during his Final Vows with Beck. Nine
"Now, the time has come for OTLR to find new leadership, with fresh and exciting ideas to take it into the future...
"To all those who have supported me over the years – a massive THANKYOU. Players, coaches, staff, committees, members, volunteers, families, donors, funders, sporting clubs, schools, corporates, government…this dream could not have been achieved without your continued support. These memories, partnerships and friendships will last a lifetime..."
He also teased, "For me, it's time to embark on my next chapter."
Jake Edwards returned to social media after a few weeks off the platform. Instagram
There were kind comments from some of Jake's fellow MAFS grooms.
"Bright future ahead bro," wrote Bryce Ruthven, while Patrick Dwyer commented, "You've set the standard brother."
"Well done mate! Good luck on the new adventure 👏 look forward to seeing what it is," Liam Cooper wrote, and James Susler also congratulated him on his achievements.
According to Jake's fans the beard had to go.. Instagram
Jake thanked fans for their support in videos on his Instagram story too. And on a lighter note, he asked his followers to weigh in on his new look, and whether he should shave the beard he grew over five weeks.
With a majority of people voting for the beard to go, the 32-year-old decided to have some fun with the trim.
Jake couldn't just shave off his beard without having some fun along the way. Instagram
At one stage he shaved off hair on his cheek, leaving him with massive sideburns for what he called an 'Elvis look'. As he got rid of more hair he also gave himself a horseshoe moustache.
Nope, not quite there yet. Instagram
And it seemed like he could settle with a regular mo'.
That's the Jake people know. Instagram
But in the end, he shaved it all off and was back to resembling the Jake everyone saw on MAFS Season 8.
Jake was matched with Rebecca Zemek on the show. Despite having an up-and-down relationship throughout the series they made it to Final Vows and agreed to give things a go in the real world, but they split shortly after.
Following his time on MAFS Jake started dating fitness influencer and mum-of-four Sophie Guidolin. They fell hard and fast, and Jake even got Sophie's name tattooed on his torso. But sadly they broke up after a few months of dating.
Jake and Sophie when they were together. Instagram
Jake then withdrew from social media for a period of time but returned last week and shared an emotional message in a video.
"Some of you may have already noticed that recently I've taken some away, through no fault but my own," he said.
"The last 10 months has been extremely difficult. I've made some choices in my life that have impacted me personally, but have also impacted people that I love and care about a lot as well.
"My mental health got to a point where I needed to step away and that's what I did."
If you or anyone you know needs immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
