So this running malarkey has got a little out of hand and the distance I need to run has escalated quickly. For anyone that doesn't know I decided to apply to run the Cardiff half marathon for Cerebral Palsy Cymru in January 2024. I was accepted and started training, having never really run before I actually stated to enjoy it. I was offered the opportunity to apply for a spot to run in the 2025 London marathon I took the opportunity and here we are. From never running to a half marathon followed by a full one. Looking back I should have just applied for the trek in Iceland!

Below is the story explaining why I am running for CPC it is the least I can do to pay them back for all the support we have had.

My daughter, Rose, was born on New Year's Eve 2022. When she was 4 days old, Rose collapsed and had be resuscitated. Some days later, we were told that Rose had irreversible brain damage. No one could say what this would mean for Rose going forward, but we were told that early intervention would be crucial in trying to take advantage of the brain's plasticity at Rose's young age (I.e. to try and help Rose's brain rewire itself around the damage. )

The assistance we could receive from the NHS was limited. This is where Cerebral Palsy Cymru stepped in! They are a specialist centre providing therapy for children in Wales who have, or are suspected of having, cerebral palsy.

Rose has had intensive physiotherapy there since she was 5 weeks old via their early intervention service, Better Start, Better Future. She is now 13 months and thriving, thanks to their help! Every time we visit their centre, they can see a positive change in Rose's abilities, and this gives us hope for her future.

Last year, Cerebral Palsy Cymru's early intervention service helped Rose, and 292 other children. We are so lucky have this service in Wales. But it needs donations to keep it going! They need to raise £1.8million every year to continue to provide their current level of service. Please help me in doing my bit to help Rose, and all the other children Cerebral Palsy Cymru will be helping in the future. And apologies in advance for all the moaning I shall be doing about my training, Rose is the tough one in my family, not me!