This October nine cowshed teammates took on the Cardiff Half Marathon in aid of our client Cancer Research Wales.
Some were regular runners; others could just about run for the bus. But they all absolutely smashed the challenge and their fundraising target of £3,500 to raise £4,572.64.
Training for six months, each ran for their own personal reasons and came together at the start line to raise awareness of the world leading cancer research happening right here in Wales.
Here are some of our highlights…
Maris, creative designer: “The thought of doing a half marathon was always something I’d laughed at — I’m by no means a runner, so when asked if I wanted to join the Cowshed half marathon team to raise money for Cancer Research Wales, I obviously said yes.
“I always love a challenge and despite doing it to prove I could get over the finish line, raising money for such a great cause was really the driving factor. A close friend was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer and seeing how influential her treatment plan is to her quality of life has given first hand insight into the role research plays when trying to tackle this horrific illness.
“I never imagined that we’d raise so much money, but we did, and if the money raised even remotely helps find a cure, then it was all worth it. Do I think I’ll race to run another half marathon? Absolutely not. But I’ve proven to myself that I am capable and was shown by so many that this really is a cause close to so many hearts.”
Ella, campaign officer: “When I returned from annual leave to find that another colleague had put me forward for the Cardiff Half, I thought fair enough, I’ll give it a go! I didn’t realise then how much this experience would mean to me.
“Cowshed Run Club was quickly formed, and each week we embarked on runs around Bute Park where we cheered each other on and shared our training tips. We all really wanted to tackle this running challenge, and even more, we really wanted to support Cancer Research Wales and raise as much as we could together.
“When the miles got tough on Half-Marathon Day, it wasn’t hard to find the motivation. Like many others, cancer has impacted loved ones around me, and I knew I could find it in me to run for them. Cancer Research Wales are doing crucial, and incredible work, and I’m over the moon we could raise so much. Bring on 2024.”
Rhian, campaign director: “Despite having given birth twice, running the Cardiff Half Marathon was one of the most difficult experiences of my life. Yes, my feet were in bits, and I thought my hips were going to simply break, but it was the mental struggle of keeping going that really tested me.
“After 3 hours of running in unexpected heat and humidity, I burst into tears at the finish line out of absolute pride in myself for what I’d achieved – it was incredible.
“Cancer Research Wales have been my client for a year now, and I adore them. They are a passionate, intelligent, highly motivated group of people and through them, I have met some of the most amazing people whose lives have been touched by cancer. It was this that kept me going over those 3 hours, and I am over the moon to have raised so much money to help transform the lives of people in Wales and beyond.”
Our creative copywriter Lewis also wrote a blog dedicated to his grandfather for Cancer Research Wales which you can read here: Why I’m Running the Cardiff Half Marathon – Cancer Research Wales
If you would like to donate or support the work of Cancer Research Wales (and check out our work with them) head to cancerresearch.wales
