Cardiff Student Plans Half Marathon Fundraiser in Memory of Much-Loved Grandad

A 23-year-old student at Cardiff Metropolitan University is running the Cardiff Half Marathon this October 2nd in memory of his much-loved grandfather, who died suddenly this year, aged 70, due to a heart condition.

Joel Bick, who is originally from Penzance in Cornwall, is studying finance and hopes to become a Pilot and Officer within the Royal Navy when he graduates.

Joel says: “My grandad’s full name was Michael Trevor Williams, but he was known just as Trevor Williams. He was 70 years old when he passed away and lived for most of his professional career in London. However, only a few months before he died, he purchased a house in Cardiff to enjoy retirement closer to his younger grandchildren who live in Cardiff along with my aunt and uncle. He was only a matter of weeks away from moving in as his home was being renovated.”

Trevor had worked as a Senior Clinical Perfusion Scientist at Barts Health NHS Trust, and Joel says: “I’m running in his memory to fundraise for the British Heart Foundation’s research because my Grandad loved to run. He would regularly run for exercise and loved participating in 10Ks across London.

“He ran several Marathons, including the London Marathon. His entire career was spent around cardiac health. My grandad worked with some of the best heart surgeons in the UK at St Barts and was an avid supporter of the BHF. At his funeral, no flowers were requested, just donations if people wished to the BHF as it is what we would have wanted and that’s why it was a no-brainer to support the BHF whilst running the Cardiff Half. I have every intention to run another Half or even a full marathon for the BHF next year as well, once again in his memory.

“I would love to raise money for the British Heart Foundation and aid the research and awareness of diseases and illnesses such as that which took my Grandad.”

In Wales 340,000 people are living with heart and circulatory conditions. BHF area fundraising manager for Wales and Northern Ireland, Nikki James, said: “We are so grateful to Joel for taking part in the Cardiff Half in memory of Trevor, a man who spent his career helping people with heart conditions. In the last 5 years [2017-2021], BHF Cymru has funded £9.5m worth of research in Wales, supporting the work of 64 researcher staff. None of this would be possible without the amazing contribution of our wonderful fundraisers and supporters like Joel.”

You can support Joel’s fundraising efforts at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/joelbickcardiffhalf

To find out about supporting the BHF including taking part in Cardiff Half or volunteering as part of the cheer-squad go to www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help