Local fundraiser to tackle two half marathons and a 10k for Cancer Research Wales
An Aberystwyth resident and member of staff at the Welsh Language Commissioner’s office is preparing to run three races in September to raise money for Cancer Research Wales. Deian Creunant, who works as a communications officer in Aberystwyth, has signed up for two half marathons and a 10k with the aim of supporting research and the charity’s work across Wales.
The three events on Deian’s schedule are the Caernarfon Half Marathon, the Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon and the Pembrokeshire 10k in Dale. He begins his challenge on Sunday 6 September, when he will run the first of the three organised races.
- Caernarfon Half Marathon — entry as part of challenge
- Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon — part of the September schedule
- Pembrokeshire 10k (Dale) — completing the trio of events
Deian said his motivation is deeply personal and rooted in the experience many families in Wales have with the disease. In his own words:
"I, like so many people, have had the experience of seeing members of my family affected by cancer and also benefitting from treatments that are constantly being developed. This is why research into the disease is so crucial."
He added a note of wry self-awareness about the physical challenge, saying that as he approaches the age being celebrated by the charity he hopes his legs will carry him to the finish line.
Charity partnership and local support
The Welsh Language Commissioner’s office has chosen Cancer Research Wales as its charity of the year, providing a workplace focus for fundraising activity. The decision has brought local attention to the charity’s work in the county and beyond, and staff in Aberystwyth are among those taking part in events to raise funds and awareness.
Representatives of Cancer Research Wales emphasised the importance of donations in sustaining research and clinical work across Wales. Iwan Roberts of the charity highlighted the organisation’s long-term investment in cancer research since its foundation, noting the scale of funds put into the field:
"Since 1966, we have invested over £41.86 million to fund the best researchers, clinicians and health professionals to push the boundaries of cancer research here in Wales. Our aim is to offer hope to people affected by cancer today and transform the future for patients while tackling cancer inequalities in Wales."
He went on to thank the Welsh Language Commissioner’s office for choosing Cancer Research Wales as their supported charity and wished Deian well for his September races.
How to support the local fundraiser
Friends, colleagues and members of the public who wish to support Deian’s fundraising efforts can donate through his online page. The fundraiser is open to contributions from anyone wanting to back local fundraising for medical research.
| Race | Type | Known date |
|---|---|---|
| Caernarfon | Half marathon | September (first race on 6 September) |
| Lake Vyrnwy | Half marathon | September |
| Dale (Pembrokeshire) | 10k | September |
Local fundraising such as Deian’s helps to sustain the research pipeline that charities like Cancer Research Wales support, from laboratory research to clinical trials and community-based initiatives tackling inequalities. For Aberystwyth residents, it is a reminder of how local people and public bodies can combine small, personal efforts into wider support for health services and scientific progress across Wales.
Donations to Deian’s page are accepted online, and colleagues in the Welsh Language Commissioner’s office will be supporting his efforts as he runs through the autumn.
