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Thea, a nurse in the Care Home Liaison Team within Mental Health Services for Older People, is preparing to run the London Marathon 2026, not just as a personal challenge, but as a heartfelt tribute to her mum and a way to give back to the community she serves every day. 

Working across care homes in Cardiff and Vale, Thea provides mental health support to some of the most vulnerable residents, as well as their families and care staff. She sees firsthand how vital well-funded services are, and that’s why she’s chosen to run in support of Cardiff & Vale Health Charity, which helps enhance patient care across the Health Board. 

Her journey into running began earlier this year, sparked by a fitness challenge and the realisation that running was not only effective, but something she genuinely enjoyed. What started as short runs quickly grew into a passion, and when she saw that the Health Charity had marathon spaces for the first time, it felt like fate. 

Thea’s motivation runs deeper than fitness. Her mum was training for the London Marathon back in 2009 during a period of remission from cancer, but sadly passed away in 2010 before she could complete it. Running the same race now, in her memory, is a way for Thea to honour her mum’s strength and spirit. 

“I’ll be wearing a bow in my hair on the day, and I’ll be thinking of her every step of the way,” says Thea. “We’ve kept the same JustGiving page she set up in 2009, and it’s really special to be continuing that journey.” 

Thea’s connection to Cardiff and Vale goes back generations. Both her grandparents were doctors who worked in the area. Her grandfather performed the first kidney transplant in Wales in the late 1960s at University Hospital Llandough, with her grandmother as the anaesthetist. Years later, Thea’s first nursing placement was at Llandough, making it a full-circle moment. 

To support her fundraising, Thea is planning bake sales, a sponsored cycle at her gym, and possibly an auction of promises, drawing on her local networks and community groups. She’s training through the winter, often running to and from work, and staying motivated by the knowledge that every step she takes is helping improve lives in her community. 

Help Thea honour her mum, support vulnerable people in Cardiff and Vale, and cross the finish line by donating to her JustGiving page: Thea Crosby is fundraising for Cardiff & Vale Health Charity 

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