Daddy Elmo & Uncle Gorilla run the Cardiff Half
Both Rhys (Meg's Dad) and Gareth (Meg's Uncle Gorilla) are running the Cardiff Half Marathon on Sunday 27th March 2022 in aid of LATCH Welsh Children's Cancer Charity. Rhys will be running the race dressed as Elmo (Meg's favourite character), and Gareth will be attempting the 13.1 mile distance for the first time ever!
Please read Meg's story below:
In December 2020 after experiencing on-going symptoms including seizures and balance issues, Megan, then aged 1, was admitted into Noah's Ark Children's Hospital in Cardiff. After a CT scan, a MRI scan and later a brain biopsy, we were given the devastating news that Megan has a low-grade, inoperable brain tumour. It was decided that the best course of action for Megs was to treat the brain tumour with a 85 week course of chemotherapy. All this has taken place during the COVID pandemic and has made an incredibly difficult situation even more agonising for our family, as hospital rules only allow one parent present at all appointments and hospital admissions.
Rhys:
"As a parent, to hear those shocking words that one of your children has cancer is one of the most heart-breaking situations to find yourself in. The support of LATCH Welsh Children's Cancer charity has been immeasurable, and they do amazing things and provide vital support for children with cancer and their families across Wales. LATCH have helped support our family throughout the diagnosis and during Meg's brutal treatment.
Please read Meg's story below:
In December 2020 after experiencing on-going symptoms including seizures and balance issues, Megan, then aged 1, was admitted into Noah's Ark Children's Hospital in Cardiff. After a CT scan, a MRI scan and later a brain biopsy, we were given the devastating news that Megan has a low-grade, inoperable brain tumour. It was decided that the best course of action for Megs was to treat the brain tumour with a 85 week course of chemotherapy. All this has taken place during the COVID pandemic and has made an incredibly difficult situation even more agonising for our family, as hospital rules only allow one parent present at all appointments and hospital admissions.
Rhys:
"As a parent, to hear those shocking words that one of your children has cancer is one of the most heart-breaking situations to find yourself in. The support of LATCH Welsh Children's Cancer charity has been immeasurable, and they do amazing things and provide vital support for children with cancer and their families across Wales. LATCH have helped support our family throughout the diagnosis and during Meg's brutal treatment.
I have run a number of half marathons in the past, but I have never attempted one in fancy dress. Meg has always loved her Elmo teddy and never goes anywhere without him, and Elmo has accompanied her on every hospital stay and he's been with her for every chemotherapy session. So I thought what better way to challenge myself and fundraise for LATCH by running as one of Megan's favourite characters."
Gareth:
Prior to taking running slightly more seriously, Gareth completed a few 5km races whilst playing other sports, mostly football. In 2019 he took up running regularly to increase distances and help stay in better shape. In the same year he entered the Cardiff 10km and that was when the running bug bit. Since then he has been running regularly, including some weekends with the Running Punks running club. Gareth completed some virtual 10km races in 2020 and 2021, and also completed a virtual challenge to run 870 miles across the coastline of Wales in 2021. This is his first (and hopefully) only race at this distance.
Fun Fact: despite his Uncle Gorilla moniker Gareth hates bananas!
"When Meg was diagnosed in January last year, it was a really tough time for my own family. Despite this, she remained in our thoughts throughout, especially as Lockdown meant we couldn't see her in person. The bravery with which she has faced the last 14 months has blown us all away, and she and Mollie are a credit to Rhys and Laura. I knew I wanted to do something to help LATCH as they have been so helpful to the family, but I'm still a bit surprised to find myself running a half flippin' marathon in my very early 40s - like the massive idiot that I am"
Gareth:
Prior to taking running slightly more seriously, Gareth completed a few 5km races whilst playing other sports, mostly football. In 2019 he took up running regularly to increase distances and help stay in better shape. In the same year he entered the Cardiff 10km and that was when the running bug bit. Since then he has been running regularly, including some weekends with the Running Punks running club. Gareth completed some virtual 10km races in 2020 and 2021, and also completed a virtual challenge to run 870 miles across the coastline of Wales in 2021. This is his first (and hopefully) only race at this distance.
Fun Fact: despite his Uncle Gorilla moniker Gareth hates bananas!
"When Meg was diagnosed in January last year, it was a really tough time for my own family. Despite this, she remained in our thoughts throughout, especially as Lockdown meant we couldn't see her in person. The bravery with which she has faced the last 14 months has blown us all away, and she and Mollie are a credit to Rhys and Laura. I knew I wanted to do something to help LATCH as they have been so helpful to the family, but I'm still a bit surprised to find myself running a half flippin' marathon in my very early 40s - like the massive idiot that I am"
About LATCH Welsh Children's Cancer Charity:
www.latchwales.org
Registered charity no 1100949
Fundraising team (2)
Rhys Evans
Organizer
Wales
LATCH
Beneficiary
Gareth Evans
Team member