Running to transform lives

Senior Cardiff University academic Professor Rudolf Allemann personally understands the benefits of raising funds for potentially life-saving research.

Not only is he an internationally renowned researcher himself, he has good reason to be thankful for cutting edge studies.

Professor Allemann’s wife Lesley was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and the treatment she required was only possible through a clinical trial.

Lesley would eventually make a full recovery.

“She benefited greatly from taking part in a clinical trial,” said Professor Allemann, the Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Physical Sciences and Engineering. “15 years later it’s all good.”

Later this year Professor Allemann will run the Cardiff University/Cardiff Half Marathon as part of #TeamCardiff to raise funds for the University’s cancer research.

Our runners can also fundraise for our neuroscience/mental health research.

While general places for the race are already sold out, limited free places are still available through #TeamCardiff to those who pledge to raise £200, or £150 for students.

And Professor Allemann, a keen runner, is encouraging anyone thinking of taking part to join him.

“Running keeps you fit and you can do it anywhere you like,” he said. “You don’t need special equipment only a good pair of running shoes.

“You can do it for a good cause that benefits not just Cardiff but your friends, your family, your neighbours – that’s a fantastic thing.”

Cardiff University is once again partnering with the half marathon as title sponsor. This year’s race - which celebrates its 15^th anniversary - takes place on Sunday 7 October.

Some 350 University staff, students, alumni and members of the public ran as part of #TeamCardiff last year and raised £65,000, breaking the £100,000 barrier over the past two years.

You can support Professor Allemann’s fundraising here.