Grace’s Story
Grace runs Paris Marathon in 2024 in memory of family friend Evsy. Grace talks about her motivation and the wonderful Mark Evans:
“Evsy (Mike Evans) was a close friend of my dad’s, first through work and later through a love of triathlon/Ironman events. They formed their own little team (Team Evsy), called themselves 6 as 1 and designed their own kit in his favourite colours (orange and purple, as seen in my marathon photos). He became unwell and was diagnosed with a brain tumour in his late 40s and attended Velindre for treatment. He began fundraising despite the disease and ongoing treatment, and as a team completed the Wales Long course weekend (Ironman distances spread over 3 days) and countless other events in aid of Velindre.”
“What I always admired about Evsy was his attitude. He used to say that “training and competing is a privilege” and to “find your why”. He helped influence my positive outlook towards life, training, competing & all the challenges that are thrown at you along the way.”
“Additionally, my great Uncle is currently being treated at Velindre and benefits greatly from not only the treatment side, but the social aspect. I’m currently training to be a paramedic, and the values that I’ve seen in Velindre nurses (empathy, kindness, patience) reflect everything I ever want to be as a future clinician.”
“The training was really difficult. About 4 weeks in, I picked up a knee injury and couldn’t walk. I missed a lot of long runs but gave it a go anyway; this was my first marathon, so any time would’ve been a PB! The day itself was a bit of a blur – I had a cry on the start line, doubting myself and whether the work I had done was enough. I enjoyed every single second (even the painful miles) and would do another in a heartbeat. The feeling of crossing that line in my Team Evsy kit was so emotional and overwhelming, not much else has ever come close. The pride I felt representing Velindre and Evsy’s legacy was what carried me through every single mile.”
“I’ve always been ambitious, to the point where I’m a bit of a perfectionist (my greatest downfall). I didn’t run a marathon to prove any points, to beat a time or to qualify for the Olympics. I did it for myself, for Evsy, for my great Uncle, for the staff and the patients. Simply – I found my why :)”
Find out how you can support Velindre Charity here: https://www.velindrefundraising.com/fundraise-for-us/
