A team of 16 financial professionals from Quantum Advisory will participate in the Cardiff Half Marathon this autumn to raise funds for Wales Air Ambulance. The group, travelling from across the UK to join local colleagues at the start line in South Wales, marks the fourth time the company has entered the event but the first year running together for a single cause.
Fundraising Efforts for the Emergency Service
The team has been raising funds for Wales Air Ambulance for two years through volunteering and hosting office sports days. Staff members have also supported major anniversary events for the charity to help generate vital funds. John Plenderleith, 30, who has worked for the company for nine years, said: “We do lots of fundraising activities throughout the year, and love to give back to causes which make a difference on a national and local level.”
He added: “Cardiff Half is one of the largest events that we do, and this year we are delighted to have secured sixteen Charity spaces in support of Wales Air Ambulance.” Over the years, team members individually entered the Cardiff Half and chose their own charities, but this year is different. “We have been fortunate to secure sixteen Charity spaces and aim to raise as much as we can to mark Wales Air Ambulance’s special year!”
Race Day Plans and Motivation
Plenderleith noted the fun of gathering everyone together, saying: “We always have a brilliant time. We are fortunate to have such an excellent group of colleagues who really get behind causes.” The team is planning cheer stations along the route, with crowd support described as “amazing” and “extra motivating” to see familiar faces. “In the back of our minds, we will be thinking about Wales Air Ambulance and the lifesaving difference it makes each day. It relies on fundraisers to help keep the service going. So that will give us an extra push towards the finish line!”
The team has a special connection with the service through one of the partners who is a Trustee. Plenderleith said: “We have been fortunate to attend the Cardiff base, see the operation up close and meet the crew, who are all highly skilled. When you see the helicopter returning from a mission, it puts things in perspective. You cannot imagine what the team face each day, but it is reassuring to know that they are there if you need them.”
Support from Leadership and Charity
Amanda Burdge, partner at Quantum Advisory and trustee for Wales Air Ambulance, said: “I am incredibly proud to represent Wales Air Ambulance, whether it is at Trustee meetings or during volunteer days. It is wonderful that both my roles are now overlapping and that our company is fielding such a large team at the Cardiff Half Marathon. Everyone is so motivated, there’s a WhatsApp group and lots of exchanges about how training is going.” She added: “Things are getting quite competitive! But it is all in good fun, and everyone is determined to raise as much as they can.”
Phae Jones, Wales Air Ambulance’s director of income generation, said: “Quantum Advisory will be quite a vision of red on the start line at Cardiff Half Marathon this autumn! We are delighted that sixteen staff have secured Charity places and will be running in aid of Wales Air Ambulance in October. Our supporters are key to the chain of survival and ensure that we continue to be there for the people of Wales wherever and whenever they need us. The Quantum Advisory team are playing an important role, by training, challenging themselves and raising vital funds, they are making a lifesaving difference. Diolch yn fawr!”
