Our Chief Executive Officer, Helen Smith, is putting her best foot forward as she takes on 5K May, with a twist, next month.
Helen was appointed in 2019 and has led our charity's response throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. She's supercharging her efforts by running 45km, to raise vital funds for our lifesaving work.
5K May is a campaign running throughout May, encouraging people to walk, run, swim or cycle 5km and help charities whose income has been drastically affected by the pandemic.
The formidable challenge is all the more demanding for Helen, who only began running in February.
“I’m so tremendously proud to say I’m part of an organisation which does so much for so many and I wanted to do my bit not just to raise money but to inspire others and highlight just how important something like exercise is to our mental health.
The pandemic has affected all of us in some way and for me, I found solace in getting out there and clearing my mind.
Anyone who knows me knows I’m not a runner, and so I decided to push myself that bit further and run 45km to celebrate my 45th birthday, one kilometre for every year I’ve lived!
It’s going to hurt and it’s going to be tough but I know that if I can do it, others can too.”
St John Ambulance Cymru Chief Executive Office, Helen Smith
Like so many other charities during the pandemic, we've relied heavily on donations to ensure we can continue our vital work in communities across Wales. But support from donations is needed now more than ever, to ensure no one goes without the first aid training they need to save a life.
Helen’s looking to raise £450 to help us continue supporting communities across Wales, helping people get the first aid they need, anytime, anywhere.
You can support Helen by donating to her JustGiving page here.
Check this page for regular updates on Helen's progress, or follow @SJACHelenS and #45KMay on Twitter.