A CLERGYMAN insists he will be driven on to finish this year’s Lloyds Bank Cardiff Half Marathon by the aim of raising awareness of the issue of homelessness.
Phil Wall is currently studying for a PhD in theology and education from Kings College, London, but will relocate to Wales this summer to work as a United Reformed Church minister in Pontypridd.
With the Lloyds Bank Cardiff Half Marathon, Wales’ largest mass participation event, taking place on October 5, Phil has jumped at the chance to get to know his new region better, and raise funds for housing charity Adref.
The charity, supported by the churches that Phil will serve, aims to eradicate homelessness in the South Wales Valleys, and the 33-year-old was looking to do all he could to help.
“I’m moving to Pontypridd in mid-August so doing this half marathon will give me a chance to enjoy Wales’ largest road race whilst racing money for a charity which is supported by the churches I will serve,” he said.
“The aim is to raise as much money as I can, but also raise awareness at the same time of the charity, of the work they do and the difference it makes.
“It keeps you going knowing you are running for a worthwhile cause.
“The shelter is in the town and helps those that are homeless and helps them acquire new skills while having a holistic aspect to it.”
Lloyds Bank is in its fifth year as title sponsor of the event in Wales with the Cardiff Half Marathon along with our other community programmes helping bring to life the bank’s continuing commitment to Helping Britain Prosper.
Well over 19,000 people regularly take part in the 10K and half marathon road races in Cardiff and Phil was expecting another great event in the Welsh capital, which is just 12 miles from his new home.
“I did my first full marathon last year running the London marathon in four and a half hours. I’ve done a few half marathons too so I’m looking forward to Cardiff,” he added.
“It will give me a chance to get to know the area better and hopefully there will be lots of people coming to watch.”
Lloyds Bank is proud to continue its support of the Lloyds Bank Cardiff Half Marathon – Wales’ largest mass participation event. Entries are still available at: www.cardiffhalfmarathon.co.uk
