At 47 years old and never having run before, COVID lockdown hit and I wanted to turn this into a positive and do something to get fit and try to reduce that dreaded middle-aged spread. 18 months later, I have developed a truly unexpected passion for running and have finally been persuaded by a friend to enter my first ever organised race. As a graduate of Cardiff University back in the 1990s and as someone who still loves the city, taking up an alumni place seemed like the perfect thing to do. By running the Cardiff Half Marathon for #TeamCardiff at Cardiff University I have chosen to support cancer research.This is a cause very close to my heart, my Mum having been diagnosed with but defeated bowel cancer back in 2016, only for it return last year. Throughout COVID, she has therefore suffered the added burden of constant chemotherapy, and continues her battle with fortitude, resilience and dignity every day. Cancer is a truly cruel disease, not only for those who have it, but also for the loved ones around them who often feel powerless, and anything you can give to support academic and scientific research aimed at beating it would be very gratefully received. In return, I will continue to train so that I am hopefully in great shape for the event on 27 March 2022. Many thanks indeed for your generosity, or as I should probably say in the circumstances, diolch yn fawr.

https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/donate/how-you-can-help/cancer-research