More than 900 superheroes descended on Glamorgan Cricket Club recently to take part in a record-breaking charity fun day, raising a phenomenal £86,000 and counting for children and families cared for at Wales’ only children's hospital.
Record-breaking turnout and community spirit
The annual Superhero 5K Fun Day on June 28 brought together hospital families and supporters from every corner of Wales, with almost 600 more people attending to support participants. Held just a stone's throw from the Noah’s Ark Children's Hospital for Wales, families enjoyed glorious sunshine and an electric community atmosphere.
Many families described the event as a welcome opportunity to step away from hospital appointments and simply enjoy making happy memories together.
Real-life superheroes celebrated
The day celebrated real-life superheroes, honouring the children and young people who face life-changing illness and injury with extraordinary courage. Among the most inspiring moments was when five-year-old Freddie from Brecon stood from his wheelchair and ran over the finish line with his dad.
Freddie became critically ill when four viruses attacked his heart, causing multiple organ failure and a significant acquired brain injury. He spent weeks on life support before continuing months of rehabilitation at the hospital, and his family once feared they would never see him walk again.
Families share their stories
Gemma, whose son Roman from Bridgend receives care on the oncology unit, said: "The Noah's Ark Charity put on such an incredible event. It was so lovely to see just how many of the children knew members of the team and how well the team knew the children. It really showed that Noah's Ark isn't just a charity; it's a family that walks alongside children and their families through some of life's toughest moments."
Freddie’s mum Vickie added: "What a great event. It’s so family-friendly and really is like a mini festival, celebrating all the real-life superheroes who go through the doors of Noah’s Ark each day. Two years ago, Freddie was taken critically ill, and nearly a month later, when he woke from life support, not only did we have a new Freddie, but we had the uncertainty of knowing whether he would be able to sit, stand or walk again."
Another remarkable youngster celebrated on the day was 10-year-old Lilah from Penrhiwceiber, who previously suffered a devastating blood clot and brain bleed. Lilah’s mum, Lindsay, said: "The superhero fun run was so much more than just a 5k, it was day filled with love, hope and an incredible sense of community. But the moment that will stay with me forever is Lilah crossing the finish line. After everything she has faced, her six-month hospital stay, every hurdle, every worry, every milestone that once felt impossible, seeing her make it to that finish line was overwhelming."
Funds raised for vital support
Funds raised will help the charity provide emotional and practical support for families alongside lifesaving medical equipment. Samantha Barnard from the charity said: "The Superhero 5K Fun Day is an amazing opportunity to raise funds, but it’s also a way for us as a charity to do what we love doing most - celebrate the incredible strength, resilience and bravery of the children and families we are privileged to support."
Barnard added: "Every person who took part, volunteered, sponsored or donated has helped make a real difference, and we can’t thank them enough. The event wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our army of dedicated volunteers and headline sponsors RunTech, FireRite, Chepstow Plant International, Richard Burton 10K and Flexicare, whose generosity helped make the day unforgettable."
Looking ahead
Barnard concluded: "We’re already looking forward to welcoming families back for another unforgettable Superhero 5K Fun Day next year." To discover more about the organisation or to make a donation, visit noahsarkcharity.org.
