My late Grandmother Sonia Hermida who was loved and touched the hearts of those around her especially her friends and family passed away from Breast Cancer on 12th October 2003. Since then, my Grandfather Emilio Hermida has been living on his own for 20 years and although  he has had and still continues to receive the support from his children misses her tremendously.

I am glad to announce that I will be running a half marathon in Cardiff on the 1st October 2023 in memory of my Grandmother as my family approach the 20th anniversary since she passed away. I am also participating in recognition for my Grandfather for being so strong considering the day my Grandmother passed away (12th October) is also his birthday.

For someone like me who has never run more than 10km and only focuses on sprints such as 100m, 200m and 400m, this is a big step out of my comfort zone and a challenge I am eager to do.

I have chosen to do the Half Marathon in Cardiff as I spent 3 years living in the city and eventually graduating with my family, Grandfather and I know my Grandmother would’ve loved to have been there.

I have chosen to fund raise for Breast Cancer Support Gibraltar and raise awareness. On the 1st June 2023 I will be joining the Breast Cancer Support Gibraltar Committee in participating in a 5km walk to raise awareness on the cause and will continue to participate every year then commence my training in August to run 21.km in October which is Breast cancer awareness month. This is in memory of my late grandmother Sonia Hermida and in memory of those who have suffered, lost or overcame Breast Cancer.

In 2022 the GHA diagnosed 21% women with breast cancer. Currently, Breast Cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. Breast Cancer death rates have decreased steadily as a result of finding it earlier through screening and increased awareness as well as better treatments. If we continue to raise awareness and providing continuous treatments,  we can keep the death rates to a minimum.

Really looking forward to start this campaign and dedicate it all to my Grandmother and Grandfather, a charity that is very close to his heart.