A ST ATHAN man will be tackling the Cardiff 10K in September – the first time he will be trying such an event in a wheelchair.
Dr Justin Griffiths is aiming to raise funds for the Llanharan-based animal welfare charity, Hope Rescue, which concentrates on providing a place of safety for vulnerable dogs, and then rehabilitating and rehoming them.
Although the coming Cardiff 10K is Dr Griffiths’ first attempt in a wheelchair, he has raced the Cardiff Half Marathon 19 years ago in 2005. He did a full marathon in Edinburgh in 2009 but then in 2022, he received a diagnosis of Muscular Dystrophy.
It was a shock to Dr Griffiths. He had been a keen sportsman, getting a Welsh under-15 cap and he continued to play rugby to a good standard until he had a career-ending injury at 24.
Away from sport, he gained a B Ed degree, teaching for a while and then gained a Masters in Human Resources, which led him to join the MoD. He then went on to complete a doctorate.
Since receiving the Muscular Dystrophy diagnosis, he been determined to stay active, and has thrown himself into wheelchair rugby – also known as ‘murder ball’.
As the nickname implies, it can be a violent sport and Justin is now a regular with The Ospreys and speaks highly of the support that the wheelchair rugby team gets from the Regional team. It is not a cheap sport as the bikes have to be strong enough to withstand massive collisions. Spare parts aren’t cheap either.
Justin has been playing in a variety of tournaments and has a gym at home to improve his strength in his arms and shoulders. He travels quite often to Stoke Mandeville to play. Of course, Stoke Mandeville has a special place in the world of wheelchair sports.
After racing himself for big collisions in wheelchair rugby, he is hoping that nothing similar occurs in the Cardiff 10K held on Sunday, 1st September. He said: “I understand that we all start together. The wheelchairs don’t have a separate start so I will be surrounded by runners.”
Given Justin’s rugby training, perhaps those runners had better watch their step!
To donate to Justin’s charity appeal, go to Justin Griffiths is fundraising for Hope Rescue (justgiving.com)
By Philip Irwin – Senior Reporter
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