Swans inspired charity move that's set to run and run
Football seasons are notoriously drawn-out affairs but this one promises to be even longer for one member of the Swans’ executive management team.
That’s because the club’s Head of Commercial, Richard Morris (pictured above), has vowed to run 5km each day of the season in order to raise money for Swansea Bay Health Charity’s Cwtsh Clos appeal.
Cwtsh Clos is a terrace of five houses a stone’s throw away from Singleton Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) where families can stay to be near their babies.
Swansea Bay Health Charity, the health board’s official charity, has set itself the target of raising £160,000 to enable a complete upgrade of the homes, which are starting to show their age after years of use.
The campaign is backed by musician and Swans matchday lounge host Mal Pope in memory of his grandson Gulliver, who was cared for in the NICU.
Mal’s kind support recently helped pave the way for Swansea City AFC to choose the Cwtsh Clos appeal as their official charity partner for the 2024-25 season.
Richard, who has set a fundraising target of £5,000, said: “I wouldn’t describe myself as a natural runner, not by any stretch, but I felt compelled to play my part having heard Mal Pope tell his story.
“I’ve been at the club for 18 months and have been blown away by the support from the local community for initiatives such as this.”
Pictured above: Mal Pope outside Cwtsh Clos
If successful, it means the 36-year-old would have clocked up 1,335km across 267 days.
It’s a tough challenge for anyone but Richard only took up running 12 months ago.
He said: “About this time last year I don’t mind saying I wasn’t managing my health particularly well. I’m a bit of a workaholic, too much screen time, and drink a little bit too much, so I started running, and really enjoyed it.
“I’m not very fast but it’s been really good for me. I wanted to put that to good use and hopefully raise some money this year.”
Fitting a daily run into his busy schedule can be challenging, especially when the Swans travel abroad, but the local area helps.
Richard said: “Typically I will go first thing in the morning. I live in Fforestfach but we’re blessed here in Swansea to have the seafront and an amazing natural resource to get out and about, it’s been really nice. There’s some lovely routes to run.
“There’s quite a bit of domestic and international travel with my role but I find it’s a really nice way to explore new cities - getting out and doing some running.”
Richard - who plans to run indoors on a treadmill when the harsh winter weather arrives - has enjoyed the challenge so far but knows things will get tougher.
He said: “It’s been fine so far. I’m not getting any younger so no doubt the knees, ankles and back will be a bit sore by the end, but I’m just focusing on getting the next one done and ticking them off one by one.
“No doubt everything from my waist down will hurt, but that's nothing in comparison to what the children and parents go through in their time of need, and I'm sure that our community will pull together and get behind this fantastic cause.”
And he is keen for volunteers to join him towards the latter stages of his challenge.
He said: “Towards the end, I'm sure I'll need dragging across the line, so if anybody fancies running a 5k with me, just let me know!”
Lewis Bradley, Charity Support Manager, said: “Richard’s determination is inspiring, taking time out of his busy work schedule and family commitments to run 5km every day is something that isn’t easy.
“Running 5k may not seem much, but the grand total of 1,335km in 267 days is incredible!”
“Their support is absolutely fantastic.”
If you would like to give an online donation to Cwtsh Clos, you can do that by clicking here.
To make a donation using your phone, please text 'Donate Swanseabayhealth homes' to 88802.
If you would like to fundraise for us yourself, or hold a fundraising event, please visit our JustGiving page for Cwtsh Clos here, where you will find more information.
You can also visit our Cwtsh Clos webpage for more information about the NICU centre and the fundraising appeal.
Thank you for your support!
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