An S4C presenter is set to run the annual Virgin London Marathon on Sunday 17 April to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
Owain Gwynedd, who presents S4C’s flagship youth programme Stwnsh, will be one of over 46,500 runners to embark on the 26 miles and 385 yards around London and its best known landmarks.
Porthmadog-born Owain is running the race in memory of his late Godfather, Ifor Pritchard.
Owain also follows in his Stwnsh co-presenter Geraint Hardy’s footsteps. Geraint finished last year’s marathon in just over four hours and raised nearly £2,000 for the NSPCC.
Owain says: “Ifor was a great man who had a massive influence on my life. He supported me in everything I attempted. I know he would have faith in me completing the marathon. I can’t think of a better way to raise money in his memory and for a cause that aims to prevent and treat the illness that took his life. There is a 1 in 3 chance of people developing some sort of cancer in their lifetime, so I hope that everybody will support me and help me raise as much money as possible.”
The London Marathon is one of the top five international marathons and said to be the biggest fundraiser event in the world. The racecourse will take the runners past some of London’s best known sites including the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Canary Wharf and Tower Bridge.
“I’ve never done anything like this before but I’m looking to raise as much money as Geraint and beat his time. Hopefully I’ll be able to beat the four hour barrier. If I can do that I will be very happy,” explains Owain.
Whether or not Owain crosses the finish line remains to be seen. To find out, tune in to Stwnsh the following day on S4C between 16:00 and 18:00.
In the meantime, anyone can sponsor the presenter by visiting the website: www.justgiving.com/owain-gwynedd-griffith
