“Run for #YourNHSCharity in 2023!”

Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, has announced a range of free running opportunities for fundraisers in 2023. They include spaces at some of the most high-profile events in the Welsh running calendar, with a choice of distance and location.

The charity is encouraging supporters to take part, reach their running goals, and raise valuable funds for their local NHS.

Opportunities on offer include:

Newport Marathon - 16th April, boasting one of the flattest marathon courses in Europe

Virtual London Marathon – 23rd April, a chance to complete 26.2 miles however and wherever you wish

Long Course Weekend – 2nd July in Pembrokeshire, with a choice of The Wales Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k or 5k races

Llanelli Half – 24th September, a coastal course that is perfect for first-timers, those chasing a personal best, or those training for a marathon

Cardiff Half – 1st October, one of the largest and most exciting road races in the UK.

Sally James was part of the Cilgerran Ward Team (pictured) who ran the Cardiff Half Marathon for the NHS charity in 2022. She said: “As a team we thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the Cardiff Half last year.

“We are so grateful for every single donation we had. That kept us going through the hard stages of training, and we've been able to put the money towards a fantastic bit of equipment that will benefit many children on Cilgerran Ward in Glangwili Hospital.

“We would definitely recommend signing up. If we can do it, anyone can!"

Tara Nickerson, Fundraising Manager at Hywel Dda Health Charities, said: “The funds raised by our runners do not replace NHS funding, but are used to provide services and activities above and beyond what the NHS can provide.

“We ask that fundraisers pledge to raise a minimum in sponsorship, depending on what event they enter. Fundraisers can choose to support a specific hospital, ward, service or department or they can choose to fundraise for general charitable purposes.

“Our limited places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, so if you are interested, please do get in touch as soon as you can.”

More information on how to enter the running events is available by emailing Fundraising.HywelDda@wales.nhs.uk or calling 01267 239815.

08 Feb 2023