On Sunday, 5th October 2025, more than 25,000 runners filled the streets of Cardiff to take part in one of the UK’s most popular road races – the Cardiff Half Marathon. The 13-mile route took participants past the Welsh capital’s most recognisable landmarks, from Cardiff Castle to Roath Park, and along the scenic Cardiff Bay barrage.
Among the thousands taking part was a truly special team of runners – Team JLF – a group brought together by a shared goal: to raise vital funds and awareness for the Jac Lewis Foundation, a charity that provides free and confidential mental health and wellbeing support to people across Wales.
A Day of Pride and Purpose
For everyone connected with the Jac Lewis Foundation, race day was about much more than running. It was about remembrance, resilience, and community spirit.
Jac’s parents, Jesse and Janet Lewis, along with several Trustees of the Foundation, travelled to Cardiff to cheer on the runners and celebrate their incredible efforts. Their support from the sidelines added to the emotional atmosphere of the day, as friends, families, and supporters gathered in the city to watch the team’s efforts unfold.
Thanks to the determination and generosity of everyone involved, over £5,000 has already been raised – funds that will go directly towards supporting the Foundation’s life-changing work in our local community and across Wales.
Friends, Family, and Footballers
The Jac Lewis Foundation team was made up of familiar faces from across the Ammanford community – many with deep, personal connections to Jac himself.
Close friends and former schoolmates Gareth Rees, Geraint Rees, and Ben Soal ran in Jac’s memory, continuing to honour their friendship in a powerful and positive way.
Representing Ammanford Town Football Club, Euros Griffiths and Rhys Fisher swapped their football boots for running trainers, showing once again how the sporting community continues to rally behind the Foundation’s cause.
Trustee Rhodri Jones also took to the start line, joining his fellow runners in a show of solidarity and commitment to supporting others through difficult times.
A Family Effort
Family was very much at the heart of this year’s event. Catrin Griffiths and her son Iwan Matthews ran side by side – proving that when generations come together, amazing things can happen.
Even the younger generation played their part. Although the children’s 1-mile race on Saturday was cancelled due to bad weather, Llian Jones still completed the mile alongside her dad Matthew before cheering him on during Sunday’s half marathon. Matthew was also joined by his father Dylan Jones, making it a family occasion filled with purpose and pride – a lovely moment that summed up the family spirit of the weekend.
Stepping Up for the Community
Several members of the team were running under particularly meaningful circumstances.
Nicholas Davies ran to help fund the Foundation’s vital work in Ammanford and beyond, while also aiming to challenge the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.
Jack Allen stepped in to take the place of his mother Tammy, who was forced to withdraw due to injury. His willingness to take her spot embodies the community support that lies at the heart of the Foundation’s work.
Whilst Ria Burton, Jo Bartlett, and Alex Arnold all kindly filled charity spaces at the last minute after others had to pull out – proving that even with little time to train, heart and determination can take you far.
And the spirit of giving didn’t stop there. Nia Armstrong and her brother Rhys both ran for the Foundation, with Rhys even purchasing his own race place to support the cause. Sara Jones also secured her own entry and chose to fundraise for the Foundation – a generous gesture that highlights the power of community compassion.
Making Every Mile Matter
Every runner, supporter, and donor played a part in making this year’s Cardiff Half Marathon a huge success for the Jac Lewis Foundation. Their combined efforts not only raised funds but also helped spark vital conversations around mental health – something that remains at the very heart of the Foundation’s mission.
The Foundation would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to every single person who took part, donated, or showed support. Every single pound raised will directly fund our mental health support services, including counselling, awareness programmes in schools, and community initiatives that provide crucial help to those who need it most.
If you’d like to contribute to our work, donations of any size are always welcome and help us continue providing vital mental health support across Wales.
Together, we can make a difference.