Running for Richard
By Effective Communication
Having never run a marathon in her life, Helen Davies is throwing herself in at the deep end and taking on the grueling 26 mile London Marathon in aid of Cancer Research Wales.
Knowing that her brother Richard will be watching over her is all the encouragement she needs.
Richard passed away ten years ago after an eighteen month battle with a very rare form of cancer. He would have been forty on 24th April, just two days before Helen attempts the run of her lifetime.
Helen, 38, who lives in Capel Iwan in Carmarthenshire, said: “I miss my big brother every single day but I know he will be cheering me on from high above.
“When Richard was diagnosed he didn’t give in. He battled on and set up the Penny Farthing Appeal to raise money for Cancer Research Wales.”
Richard expected to raise £1,000, but with Helen and her family continuing to organize fundraisers such as raffles, auctions, and 24 hour penny farthing rides to Ireland, the appeal has now exceeded £85,000. A recent auction held at Coracles at Cennarch raised a massive £8,110.01.
Helen said: “We have never raised so much money in one evening since my brother set up the appeal. We are still in shock.
“A football signed by the Swans was sold for £250, and a specially designed coffee table engraved with a dragon went for £1,000. I’d like to thank every-one for their kindness in particular Coracles who gave us the room free of charge and a large donation towards the appeal.”
All the money goes towards funding vital cancer research projects carried out by Cancer Research Wales at their laboratories in the grounds of the Velindre Hospital in Whitchurch, Cardiff where Richard was diagnosed and treated.
Liz Andrews, Deputy Charity Director for Fundraising at Cancer Research Wales said: “The Penny Farthing Appeal has raised an outstanding amount of money for this excellent cause over the years.
“I know Helen is training hard for the London Marathon and I wish her the best of luck-I’m sure she’ll do an outstanding job.”
To show your support for Helen and help her raise her target of £10,000, please visit her Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/hlz
