Why I’m Running the Cardiff Half Marathon
Training: check.
Dieting: check-ish.
Pre-race checks: checked.
To do: Cardiff Half Marathon 2023
Nervously excited.
I think the best way to sum how I’m feeling right now is nervously excited. I’ve never done anything like this before, and that’s what excites me. But why am I about to run the Cardiff Half Marathon?
I’m doing it in memory of my beloved Grandad, Gerry, who sadly lost his battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2008…
Grandad, a true Welshman at heart, was Wales’ greatest cheerleader. He loved Wales so much that he became the ‘16th man’ for the Welsh national rugby team - good going if you ask me.
During the ‘70s and ‘80s, Grandad served as the team physiotherapist, tending to Welsh legends like Gareth Edwards, JPR, Jonathan Davies – the list is endless. They hailed him as the 16th man, crediting him with helping many of the players stay on their feet during what was labelled as the golden era of Welsh rugby. Hero.
His passion for rugby ignited my own love for the sport. Whenever I got injured (which was often), he’d be there to roll back the years, fetch his trusty physio bag, and get me running again - even when I broke my foot. He’d attend every game and would inevitably end up treating the whole team. He truly lived and breathed his passion.
But beneath the Welsh jersey, Grandad was more than just a rugby enthusiast; he was a selfless soul who would always put others before himself. This Cardiff Half Marathon is my chance to embrace his legacy, and help raise money to fund vital research for cancer treatment and patients, not just here in Wales, but worldwide.
The facts.
1 in 2 people will get diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. That’s a scary statistic. But with more research, more resources, more support – we can make strides in cancer prevention and treatment. That’s why ‘running to raise’ is so vital. It’s why I’m proud to be running for Cancer Research Wales.
I’m part of a team aiming to raise £3,500. If you’d like to support our journey, please donate here.
Together, we can make a difference. One step at a time.
Diolch.