Cowbridge woman runs London Marathon for heart charity:
A COWBRIDGE woman was one of hundreds of British Heart Foundation (BHF) runners who ran in the London Marathon to raise funds for the charity’s lifesaving research.
So far, BHF London Marathon runners have raised nearly £2 million and rising. The money will go towards cutting-edge research into regenerative medicine.
Among them was Rhian Francis, 47, from Cowbridge, who has raised £2,880 so far. She took on the challenge following the sudden death of her father-in-law John Francis in 2016, due to a heart condition. John was a much-loved husband, father and grandfather, a retired science teacher who had worked at Radyr Comprehensive and had been an active member of Pendyrus Male Voice, and Cowbridge Male Voice Choirs.
After crossing the finish line, Rhian said: “Taking part in the 2022 TCS London Marathon for the Charity of the Year, the British Heart Foundation (BHF), was such a huge challenge and an incredible experience.
“The atmosphere was electric and I am proud to know that by doing this, I’ve helped to raise funds for research into regenerative medicine, including the development of the Heart Healing Patch.”
Rhian was joined in London by the head of BHF Cymru Rhodri Thomas, 44, from Barry who ran the marathon and is taking on an incredible 52 half marathons through 2022 to fundraise for the BHF. He said: “The research that the BHF delivers makes such a difference to the 7.6 million people in the UK living with heart and circulatory diseases, so I’m doing as much as I can to support this amazing work.”
Funds raised at this year’s London Marathon will go towards cutting-edge research into regenerative medicine, including Prof Sanjay Sinha’s heart healing patch which is stem cell patches of real beating heart tissue that could be applied to damaged areas of the heart so the heart can function as it should. There is still time to donate to the BHF and help make the heart healing patch a reality, visit gosanjay.bhf.org.uk
🌟 This article first appeared in the printed edition of the Glamorgan Star on 06.10.22. Read it in print first!
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