Popham Kidney support introduces first-ever Rhoose 5k Trail Run

Popham Kidney Support has introduced a fresh addition to its annual fundraising calendar. Set for September 24, the inaugural Rhoose 5k Trail Run traces a picturesque route along the Fontygary Bay footpath. This event is officially registered with Run Britain and coincides with Popham Kidney Support’s milestone tenth year of operations.

The picturesque Fontygary Bay footpath offers the ideal setting for the run, set to commence at Fontygary Leisure Park. Participants will be treated to breathtaking views of the coastline as they navigate their way through the course, passing checkpoints at the Rhoose Point and Newton Pool along the way and concluding right where it began.

It is being supported by local running group, Rhoose Runners and Fontygary Leisure Park, which named Popham Kidney Support as its Charity of the Year for 2023. The event is also sponsored by credit insurer, Atradius, and local estate agent, Chris Davies Lettings.

It has been organised by the head of Popham Kidney Support’s fundraising committee, Julie Mein, and is the first of its kind for the charity, which aids kidney patients and their families with emotional, financial and informational support.

The funds raised at the event will be put towards its fundraising campaign for the refurbishment of the Children’s Kidney Centre at Cardiff & Vale University Hospital. The target for the refurbishment project is £130,000, hoping to provide a more friendly and welcoming space for children and parents that visit the unit for treatment.

The run will be officially opened by Popham Kidney Support ambassador and broadcaster, Sian Lloyd, with support and entertainment being provided by Bro Radio, a community radio station broadcasting to Barry, Llantwit Major, Penarth and surrounding areas in the Vale of Glamorgan, who will help with announcing winners and encouraging runners at the finish.

Popham Kidney Support was originally founded as ‘The Paul Popham Fund, Renal Support Wales’ in March 2013, five months after the passing of Paul Popham – father of CEO, Joanne Popham – following a courageous battle with kidney cancer. Ten years on, and the charity has grown exponentially, supporting over 3,000 people during 2022 alone.

Joanne Popham, Popham Kidney Support CEO, said:

“We are thrilled to announce our first-ever Rhoose 5k Trail Run. This is an exciting opportunity for our supporters and runners to come together and make a real difference. Not only will this event promote healthy living, but it will also help raise critical funds for the Children’s Kidney Centre project. We are grateful for the support of our sponsors and collaborators and look forward to a great day.”

Andrew Fenton, Managing Director, Chris Davies Lettings, said:

“We are proud to support the first-ever Rhoose 5k trail run. It’s a great pleasure to support such a worthy cause that makes a significant impact on the lives of many people. The event is a wonderful opportunity to raise vital funds for the charity’s initiatives while also promoting a healthy lifestyle. We are grateful to partner with such an amazing charity and support an event that brings the community together in support of a deserving cause.”

Entries are now open for Popham Kidney Support’s Rhoose 5k Trail Run. For more information, or to book your place here, or contact Popham Kidney Support.