Dr James Davies not only looks after our patients by day but is now raising money to support our charity in his spare time too!
One of our Consultants in Palliative Medicine, Dr James Davies, is taking on a huge challenge to support City Hospice. He is entering the Iron Bourne challenge, North 2 South Cycle and Cardiff Half Marathon. Two of the challenges have been postponed due to Covid 19 he is still planning to take part in them.
Dr James Davies tells us:
“I have decided to support City Hospice with the challenges as City Hospice is a local charity, supporting people with life limiting illnesses and their loved ones through an incredibly difficult time. Being part of the City Hospice team is something I am very proud of. I am proud of the service we provide to the city of Cardiff.
We have faced unprecedented challenges as a charity
Throughout the pandemic, we have faced unprecedented challenges as a charity but as a team have faced these head on to keep supporting people at home, at whatever stage of the persons illness; often we have been the sole source of face-to-face support throughout the pandemic.
There has been pressure not only on the large clinical team of nurses, doctors, occupational therapy, welfare rights, social work and counselling in terms of keeping patients and staff safe from coronavirus, but also the financial pressures on the charity. It is vital that the service keeps running, and without the generosity of the public through fundraising this would not be possible.
I will be taking on 3 challenges:
- Sunday 18thJuly 2021: IronBourne long distance triathlon (Ironman distance). This will consist of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and finished off by a marathon 26.2 mile run. These will be completed consecutively, and likely to take in excess of 12 hours of gruelling exercise
- 25th-26th September: (postponed from May 20th) The North 2 South Cycle, which will consist of joining the Carter Lauren Pedal Pushers fundraiser for City Hospice, cycling 227 miles in 2 days from Anglesey to Rhoose
- Sunday 27th March 2022: Cardiff Half Marathon (postponed from April and October 2021), 13.1 miles of running around the city of Cardiff
In total I will be doing 2.4 miles of swimming, 339 miles of cycling and 39.3 miles of running across the challenges. However, my training will incorporate many more miles than this. I have spent many an evening locked in my garage on the turbo trainer in the winter, cycled back and forth to work, spend weekends running up valleys and mountains. Due to lockdown, I had to delay practicing swimming – I’m going to need to don a wetsuit and hit the Taff when the weather warms up! But far more difficult than the exercise- the diet! I’ve had to say goodbye to takeaways and beer (well moderate them anyhow!).
I am excited about the opportunity to join the Pedal Pushers and cycle the length of Wales. I’m looking forward to meeting other runners taking part in the Cardiff Half Marathon for City Hospice too! Otherwise, my only companions during my challenges will be my earphones! The IronBourne will be the hardest (I haven’t ever done a triathlon!). However, the sense of achievement and the drive of knowing that I’m raising money for such a key charity in Cardiff and the benefit it will have for patients and loved ones, will drive me over the line.
Liz Andrews Chief Executive, City Hospice said
“James has taken on an incredible challenge to take part in all 3 events to raise money for our charity. I know he’s disappointed that some of the dates have changed due to the pandemic. However, with his usual determination and work ethic he will complete the challenges; looking after our patients by day and supporting our charity in his own time. This is a remarkable effort and we are all so proud of him”.
To support James via his Just Giving page click here
Find out out more about City Hospice
