We talk to charity champ Andy to find out why he has vowed to raise as much as he can for the charity that remains close to his heart. Andy, a keen cyclist only started his journey back to running just 12 months ago, and having never completed a half marathon before, this is a big challenge for him but one he is really looking forward to.
As soon as Andy discovered that Cancer Research UK was a headline charity partner at this years’ JCP Swansea Half Marathon he decided he had to be a part of it. In just 3 weeks time, Andy will be joining the 6,000 plus strong field of runners on the 13.1 mile course, which takes place in Swansea on the 25th June.
In September 2014 Andy’s family was turned upside down when his mum was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. She received chemotherapy, but sadly passed away in April 2015. Even after the diagnosis of cancer, she remained a very brave woman who tried so hard to beat the disease. She stayed upbeat, resilient and will always be an inspiration to all her family and friends.
Andy said:
“In my family, it was not just my mum who had to face cancer. I have lost a number of other family members to the disease, including my auntie, grandmother, two uncles, mother-in-law, and brother-in law. My sister and her husband were also diagnosed with cancer but have survived, following treatment. I turned 50 this year and wanted to mark the milestone by completing the JCP Swansea Half Marathon, in memory and in honour of my family and everyone affected by cancer.”
Andy’s aim was to raise £300 initially, but after the overwhelming support he has received, he is hoping to far exceed this figure by race day. Fundraising plays a tremendous part in the JCP Swansea Half Marathon and its estimated that over £1 million has been raised for good causes since the race began. This year is set to be a record-breaking year for charity fundraising and what’s more you can be a part of it too. You can help be part of the cheering team at Cancer Research on race day, get your own place to run for CRUK or simply donate to Andy’s Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Andrew-Reed2017
Andy added:
“It will also be two years since my mum passed away – she was a popular, fun loving woman who tried to live life to the full and had faced many adversities along the way. She suffered from terrible arthritis and other ailments but soldiered on. So many family members and too many friends have been touched by this disease, I felt it was only fitting that I complete the run for them. Cancer Research UK is a hugely worthy cause, without which my surviving family members may have had a slimmer chance of beating their cancer.”
If you would like to become a CHARITY CHAMPION and join the likes of Andy to run for Cancer Research UK you can register at: http://www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk/cancer-research-uk/
The JCP Swansea Half Marathon is a road race that is flat, fast on a course that is perfect for beginners, and first time half marathon runners. Race entry is now closed, however charity places for Cancer Research UK and Alzheimer’s Society will remain open up until the weekend of the event.
The race has recently been recognised as being the “Best Half Marathon” in the UK and runners can expect a fully marshaled course on closed roads, bespoke medal, technical t-shirt, on route entertainment, and goody bag for all finishers.
Go to www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk for further race details, like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/SwanseaHalf and follow @Swansea_HM #RunSwansea #FromTheCityToTheSea on Twitter and @swanseahalfmarathon on Instagram to keep up to date with all the latest news about the JCP Swansea Half Marathon.
