On 5 October, the streets of Cardiff were alive with energy, determination, and community spirit as over 27,000 runners took part in the Cardiff Half Marathon.
Among the 27,000 were 10 remarkable individuals running not just for themselves, but for thousands of people across Wales who live every day with the emotional challenges arising from living with long-term illness.
Beth, Ryan, Joe, Holly, Asia (Callum), Glyn, Scott, Steph amd Sarah
They all took part in the Cardiff Half for Daring to Dream. We just want to say a huge thank you to each of you.
Ten runners. One mission.
1.2 million adults in Wales live with long-term conditions.
Physical care is essential – but so is emotional health and support.
To thrive, and not just to survive, we all need both the clinical care and the emotional support. We all need ‘spaces to talk’.
That’s where Daring to Dream steps in. From creating safe emotional spaces in hospitals where patients can talk about their feelings, developing important ‘spaces to sing’ in hospitals, to #Lleswyl, our wellbeing festival, we help people live fully, not just survive.
Running in mempry of Amy Penn:
Beth, Ryan, Joe, Holly, Asia, (Callum) and Glyn all ran in memory of Amy Penn, who advocated for emotional support for young adult cardiac patients. They all wished to honour their friendship with Amy, run in her memory and support Daring to Dream, one of the charities close to Amy’s heart.
‘It was a stunning day, such fun and the event will stay in our memories for ever.’
Our other runners also had a fantastic day
“I finished the Cardiff Half Marathon. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I honestly don’t think I would have made it across the finish line if I wasn’t running for Daring to Dream. Every time I wanted to stop, I thought of them. I’m so proud to have hit this personal milestone, and even prouder that the money I’ve raised will support Daring to Dreams incredible work.” said Scott Tandy.
Barbara Chidgey, Chair of Daring to Dream, said:
“We are so proud and grateful to all our team of runners for supporting Daring to Dream in the Cardiff Half Marathon.
Every mile they run helps raise awareness of the emotional challenges faced by people living with physical illness – challenges that too often remain invisible.
We hope everyone has access to their own ‘space to talk’ when they need it. Thank you so much to all our runners in 2025!”
Diolch yn fawr iawn pawb!
#emotionalhealthmatters
