Hi, my name is Polly James...

I'm running the Cardiff Half marathon with a giant star on my back. It's
massive and that is my point. I want it to represent the huge smiles and hearts
of the children that Sparkle help and support. 
It's a little idea I nicked from my loopy brother-in-law who ran 55
miles with Giant Jeff (a 14ft giant man on his back). I thought stupidly, I can
do that.

Thankfully, I'm running with my buddies, some of which have never run a 5k
before let alone a half marathon. I may have forced a few to come with me for the journey, but I'm super excited that they will be by my side. I know they will keep me going with the best of spirits and keep me laughing along the way whilst achieving something so huge for themselves personally. The finish line will mean so much to all of us for different reasons, not just the savage back pain I'll probably get, but the triumph will out weigh any pain I'm sure- I hope!

WHY a star and why Sparkle...

I'm proud to be a patron of the "Sparkle Appeal" and I want to give
it the exposure it deserves. Hence the BIG STAR! Sparkle Appeal takes a
holistic approach to improving the lives of children and young people each year with severe & complex disabilities/developmental delay living. For example, kids with down syndrome, autism and ADHD.

Within the Serennu Centre where Sparkle work they provide access to
psychological support for parents and siblings, family liaison support and play workers. I fell in love with centre because it doesn't feel like place where kids go to have treatment, but go to have fun instead. The activities include swimming lessons, cookery lessons, multi-skills and clubs for young children, teenagers and siblings. They have a cinema within the centre, showing all the latest movies, it's a great environment where parents feel comfortable to take maybe a hyperactive child too. No-one judges them in there if there child makes noise or can't help but run about in this cinema. It even has wheelchair access to the back rows, so if an older child wanted to take a date, they can and like abled people their age can sit at the back! How cool is that?? 

Unfortunately, it all costs and we have to raise more than £400,000 every year to fund the vital services.

We ask for anything you can give and even if it's just your time and support on the day of the half marathon that will amazing! Spreading awareness and exposure is my main aim. Look out for the star and all the sparkles- I'm sure you won't miss us!