I'm running the Cardiff Half on 1 October for the incredible befriending charity that I work for - Gig Buddies Cymru. Every penny and pound you can spare helps us to tackle loneliness through friendship, culture and fun.
Gig Buddies Cymru matches adults with a learning disability and/or autism with a volunteer buddy who shares the same interests, so they can enjoy social activities together - anything from gigs, musicals and clubnights, to sport, wild swimming, theme parks... or just a simple walk in the country.
Gig Buddies has changed lives across Wales - significantly participants and volunteers, but also the people we encounter in our work. We've helped to give disabled people more access to the arts, leisure activities and their communities. And through the very nature of adults with a learning disability going out when they want to, staying up late when they want to, and occupying space and enjoying themselves where they want to, Gig Buddies themselves are improving perceptions of what people with a learning disability can achieve in their lives.
Seriously - this charity rocks!
I've got unfinished business with the Cardiff Half... I first ran it for Gig Buddies in 2019, my first ever long distance run. I tore the cartilage in my knee on mile 2, but stubbornly completed the race (and finished in just over 3hrs), picked up my medal and headed off to A&E (love you, NHS).
Last year, I was due to run again. A few weeks before the event our beautiful dog, Patches, died, and to deal with the extreme pain of grief that Julie and I were experiencing, we went to New York for some healing time - but on the week of the race. So I ran the Cardiff Half in Central Park on the night before the event - twice round the park in the rain, and as night was falling. An incredible experience! I finished in 2hr 16m - but didn't get a medal.
This year, I'm hoping for an uneventful race, and aiming to beat the time I set in Central Park. Diolch yn fawr iawn for supporting me! xxx
