Three Llanelli friends running the London Marathon

Three Llanelli friends are running the London Marathon on 24th April to raise money for fostering and adoption charity TACT Cymru, with the backing of The Scarlets.

Gareth Roberts, 38, wanted to raise money for TACT as he had been adopted himself and persuaded his friends Michael Shea, 38 and Allistair Reynolds 27, to join him in running the Marathon.

Gareth said: “Running the London marathon has been on my bucket list of things to do for years. My sister and I were very lucky to be adopted into a loving and kind family. My adoptive mum – Moira, always used to tell me and my sister that we were extra special as she got to choose us. Unfortunately she passed away when I was 10 years old, but thankfully my adoptive dad – Gwyndaf, has been fantastically supportive. I am running and raising money for TACT to try and help other children to become as lucky as we are."

Gareth is also running in memory of his friend Corporal Jamie Kirkpatrick, from Llanelli, who was tragically killed in action on the 27th June 2010 whilst serving in Afghanistan as part of the Counter IED Task Force.

Gareth said: “Jamie had a massive heart and I know if he was still with us today, he would be running the marathon along-side me."

Allistair, who is New Sponsorship Executive for the Scarlets, said:" I've always thought everyone running the marathon were crazy, but when Gareth twisted my arm, I found myself out buying running clothes. It still hasn't sunk in yet."

Allistair has got the Scarlets on board supporting them. He said:" Given that it's a total different exercise in terms of training they've not really been able to comment on the long distance running other than to eat a load of food. But, they've all been supportive, I'm hoping Dylan Evans, Tom Price, Aled Davies, Steve Shingler, Lewis Rawlings, Steff Evans, Jordan Williams etc will allow us to auction their time off as part of our fundraising for TACT. Kirby Myhill thinks we are a bit bonkers for doing the marathon."

Mike said:"I have always wanted to run the London marathon and when the opportunity came along to take part I jumped at the chance. When I knew it would be for TACT it was even better as Gareth was adopted as a baby so it just worked out perfect. I am really excited and cannot wait till the 24th off April.

If running the marathon is not enough, Mike, Gareth and Allistair also plan to do a 160 plus mile cycle from Caernarfon Castle on the 26th March to raise money for TACT.

Anyone wishing to sponsor them can go to:

www.justgiving.com/teams/CharityCycleAndLondonMarathon2016

For interviews, photo opportunities and information please contact Laura Luxton, TACT Communications Lead on 0208 695 8133 or 07793580418 (out of hours) or email: l.luxton@tactcare.org.uk.

Notes to Editors

TACT is the UK's largest fostering and adoption charity and we're always on the lookout for foster carers and adopters. If you would like to help us to provide loving families for vulnerable children visit www.tactcare.org.uk