The countdown to the TCS London Marathon is officially on, and our amazing team of four runners are preparing to take on 26.2 unforgettable miles in support of Cardiff & Vale Health Charity. Each runner brings passion, purpose, and a deeply personal connection to the cause, and their stories show exactly why your support means so much.
Together, they are raising vital funds to enhance care, improve patient experiences, and make a difference.
Mia – Running for the NHS That’s Supported Her and Her Loved Ones
As an employee of Cardiff & Vale University Health Board, Mia sees first-hand the dedication and care that staff pour into every ward, department, and service.
Many of Mia’s own family and friends have received exceptional care from these services, making her connection to the charity profoundly personal. In her words, she “couldn’t imagine running for anyone else.”
Running, and fitness as a whole, has transformed Mia’s life. It has become her anchor, helping her manage emotions, strengthen her mental wellbeing, and grow in confidence. She is already deep into training, signing up for smaller races along the way to prepare for the big day.
Combining her personal journey of resilience with supporting such an essential local charity “means the absolute world.”
Joe – Supporting Rehabilitation, Mental Health & Overcoming Challenges
On 26th April, Joe will join the team at the start line, representing not only Cardiff & Vale Health Charity but also the resilience of rehabilitation and recovery.
Joe has worked within Cardiff and Vale UHB as a Physiotherapy Technical Instructor in Neurorehabilitation, and now within Adult Mental Health, giving him direct insight into the life-changing impact of these services. After undergoing ACL reconstruction in June 2024, the road back to running has only strengthened his passion for highlighting the power of exercise in improving both mental and physical health.
Joe is also proudly using this platform to raise awareness of stammering, showing that obstacles can be faced, and overcome, one step (or stride) at a time.
Thea – Running in Memory of Her Mum, Harriet
For Thea, the marathon is a heartfelt tribute to her mum, Harriet, who trained for the London Marathon in 2009 during remission from cervical cancer. When her cancer returned, she was unable to take part, and sadly passed away in 2010.
Now, sixteen years on, Thea and her sister Rosie are fulfilling their mum’s dream by running the marathon together.
As a mental health nurse working in Mental Health Services for Older People, Thea sees every day how Cardiff and Vale UHB supports those with the most complex needs. Running for the charity brings together her personal and professional worlds in a deeply meaningful way.
Clare – Running One Year On from Breast Cancer Treatment
This year’s marathon marks an extraordinary milestone for Clare, who will be running just one year after her diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer.
Driven by gratitude for the care she received from Mr Sumit Goyal OBE and the team at The Breast Centre, Llandough, Clare is running to give back to the unit that supports nearly 4,000 patients a year with essential diagnostic services and compassionate care. Her running community, Women Running Penarth, has played a key role in her emotional and physical recovery, and she says it is “an honour” to support their local Breast Centre through her marathon journey.
Why your support matters
Your donations help us go above and beyond what the NHS can provide alone — and they motivate our runners through every single training mile.
By supporting and encouraging our runners, you’re helping us:
✔ fund specialist equipment
✔ enhance patient spaces
✔ support innovative wellbeing projects
✔ invest in staff development
✔ deliver compassionate care across Cardiff & Vale
To our incredible team
Good luck, thank you, and enjoy every moment of this unforgettable journey.
You inspire us all, and we’ll be cheering you on from the very first step to the triumphant last stride down The Mall. Here’s to strong legs, steady minds, full hearts, and an amazing marathon day. You’ve got this!