I am running the Cardiff 10k in memory of my beloved father who passed away over 9 years ago from cancer which started from his prostate. It truly broke me to see my father the independent man who was the well known generous soul (who loved a party) who was adored by his family and friends who came over from Jamaica in the sixties to the UK for a better life, to then see him so dependent and in so much excruciating pain and having palliative care until he eventually passed away on 7th March 2016 in Birmingham surrounded by his family. I miss him terribly and would give anything for the chance to speak or see him again.

I also feel that I have a duty to run the race in memory of family and friends that I have also lost to this terrible disease and including my friends and their loved ones they have lost. Cancer does not discriminate and this has become apparent to me personally due a health scare I had recently and thankfully it was good news. This is my chance to play a part in contributing by helping to raise money for the vital research needed to eventually find a cure and hopefully it will be in my lifetime!

I have been running on off over the years and recently I encouraged my wife Jo to join our local running group to do the Couch 2 5k course in January when she was suffering with anxiety. We decided to join it and it was the best thing we did in terms of our mental wellbeing and meeting new friends in the local community and I'm proud to say that we graduated on Saturday 9th March 2024.

It was then my wife that encouraged me to do the Cardiff Bay 10k. Having done one herself back in 2015 she explained to me that she felt so elated after doing it, and she wanted me to experience it. I thought to myself what have I got to lose?. I can challenge myself and raise money for a charity that I am passionate about and Cancer Research Wales was ideal.

Recently I have been going through a difficult time mentally and I have found running to be my therapy and I must say it has helped me immensely. I hope that you find once reading my story that you will be able to spare some pennies and help me raise some money for this charity that is put towards research to fight the big C that has affected so many of our lives. I am sure my beloved father will be watching over me on the day and he will whispering in my ear '' Yes baby girl''