We all know regular exercise is good for our overall health, but regular running is also good for our mental health and can help with conditions such as depression, and during these extremely challenging times we need to look after our health and wellbeing more than ever.

A study on 14,000 people undertaken by Asics during the pandemic has found that 82% of UK runners say running is helping to clear their mind, and 78% feel more sane and in control as a result of running.

So we are challenging you to Jog For Joy in July to keep us fit, healthy and happy during these difficult times.

If you’re a non-runner why not start a couch to 5K programme, do a lap of your local park or village a few times a week? If you’re already a keen runner why not challenge yourself to run more regularly or further, or set yourself a distance to cover in the month?

Whatever the challenge you set, all we ask is you make a donation to Velindre NHS Charity or set up a fundraising page and get sponsored.

Here's what some of our ‘Derek’s Dazzlers Cardiff Bay 10K’ running group have said:

“Four years ago I fell into a rut. I was a mum, a wife, I worked full time in a school, I put everything and everyone else first because that's me. But I needed some "me" time. I discovered running. I'm not the fastest runner, I'm a plodder with the goal to finish a run/race. Running has given me the "Head space" I needed. Time to think. I've had good runs and bad runs but still mentally I plod on. Through running I've also gained some awesome friendships who support each other come what may. So, I'm still a mum, wife, head cook and bottle washer, but I've gained so much mentally too. My advice.....go for it, distance is still the same whether you run, walk or crawl but putting those trainers on is all you have to do.” Trudi Kennedy

“Being a cancer survivor for now 7 years, I decided to take up running 2 years ago and started off with C25k, which I completed and my ultimate goal was to run the Cardiff Half Marathon for Velindre in October 2019, which I achieved and from then, I’ve become a member of the Dazzler’s and have met some amazing people and really enjoy their company and built up a fab friendship - for me, it also helps with my mental health - I love going out on my own and to do my thinking - running as a team is awesome.” - Lorraine Berry

To register to take part please visit: www.velindrefundraising.com/book-online