HEALTH board workers from west Wales are joining forces to improve their health by running this year’s Cardiff University Half Marathon.

The staff are from all corners of Hywel Dda University Health Board, covering a wide range of professions, from nurses and support staff to an Executive Director and Independent Member of the Board.

Their common bond is working for the NHS and raising money for Hywel Dda Health Charities, with each member of staff being able to pick the departments or wards in which they want their funds to be spent.

Runner Kirsty Joseph said: “It’s a really exciting opportunity to fundraise for a good cause whilst also working towards an improved fitness goal.

“I’ve chosen to raise money for Children’s Services, and in particular Child and Adolescent Psychiatry to help support and improve mental health and wellbeing of children from a young age.”

Four of the team have been selected to feature in former Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas’ television series, Run For Your Life.

The ‘Hywel Dda Hobblers’ are part of 100 runners, dubbed Alfie’s Angels, who will be taking on the 13.1 miles.

Chief Executive Steve Moore said: “Fundraisers never cease to amaze us with the extraordinary lengths they will go to in order to raise money in support of the NHS. For such a large group of our own staff to come together in this way makes us really proud as a Board and we are rooting for each and every one of them to achieve their personal goals.”

The Cardiff University Half Marathon takes place on 02 October and takes in the sights of Wales’ capital city.

In preparation for the event, Team Hywel Dda recently got together to share training tips and to be inspired by guest speakers, Dr Rich Neil from Cardiff Metropolitan University and Chris Edwards from Pro Athlete Supplementation, who gave their time free of charge. Dr Neil is a Reader in Sport and Exercise Psychology and works as a performance coach with the WRU Welsh under 20s squad. Chris is the WRU National Academy Nutritionist and consultant nutritionist for London Welsh RFC.

The team have also been supported by Craft at United Brands who have provided free team t-shirts, as well as Maxi Nutrition, and Runners’ World, who have provided items for the runner’s goody bags.

Chairman Bernardine Rees said: “It is wonderful that staff have chosen to go the extra mile, or the extra 13 miles, to support their local NHS services and we are so grateful to them.”

Hywel Dda Health Charities is the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, supporting services and activities above and beyond what the NHS can provide.

If you would like to raise funds for any ward, service or department across the Hywel Dda University Health Board area, please contact us on 01267 239815, fundraising.hyweldda@wales.nhs.uk or visit

hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk