A nine-strong family team from Caerphilly will run the Cardiff 10k next month in memory of their late father and grandfather, who passed away last year.
Norman James, father to Huw, Delyth and Rhodri, suffered kidney failure in 2012 at the age of 80, and passed away in June 2015 after his health deteriorated.
During Norman’s struggles with kidney disease, the James family received help and support from the Kidney Wales Foundation and so, in the wake of Norman’s death, they decided to enter the Cardiff 10k annual road race to show their appreciation and gratitude to the charity.
The family has entered a team of nine runners, including: Huw, his wife Mary, and their children Morgan and Elen; Delyth, her husband Alun and their children; and Rhodri and his daughter Beth.
Last year, the team raised over £900 and hope to improve on that total at this year’s event on Sunday, September 11.
Speaking about the family effort, Mary said: “Losing Norman last year was tough on the whole family. He was a fighter and didn’t let his illness get in the way of his life. Even when he was given the news he would need to go on dialysis – he would still drive himself to the hospital and back. He was an inspiration to us all.
“When it was decided that we would all get together and run the Cardiff 10k as a family I couldn’t have been more proud.”
Roy Thomas, Chief Executive of Kidney Wales said: “I was sad to hear of the James family’s loss. Everyone I have met speaks very highly of Norman and he was clearly a much loved father and grandfather. Unfortunately kidney disease affects hundreds of families across Wales each year and it is not uncommon to hear of stories like Norman’s.”
To find out more about the event, to sign up, or to help raise money and awareness for Kidney Wales, visit the Cardiff 10k website: www.cardiff10k.com or call 02920 343951.