On Sunday 1st October 2023, the 20th Cardiff Half Marathon takes place across the city. As thousands of people are estimated to take part, we’re highlighting our inspiring runners.
Ben Williams is undertaking the Cardiff Half Marathon for Headroom, which is an early intervention in psychosis (EIP) service within Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. Headroom supports individuals experiencing a first episode of psychosis between the ages of 14-25.
Psychotic disorders are among the most serious mental health problems, and this population of young people is at high risk of developing long term disorders with very substantial personal and societal costs. EIP services have been developed in recent years specifically to reduce these risks by offering optimal psychosocial and medical interventions in the ‘window of opportunity’ in the early stages of illness. As this approach has evolved, there has been an increasing focus on promoting physical health, personal growth, and social inclusion through active psychosocial interventions.
Ben says, “A half marathon is considerably further than I have ever run before – a fact my body is keen to remind me of every time I try to run a little bit faster or for a little while longer. Nonetheless, on October 1st 2023 I will be embarking on a 21km adventure of my own.”
If you’d like to support Ben and help him reach his fundraising goal, please visit his Just Giving page here.