Cardiff Uni medical student runs Cardiff Half Marathon in memory of late father

A Cardiff University medical student has completed the Cardiff Half Marathon in memory of her late father.

On October 5th, Sara Hillman participated in the UK’s second-largest half-marathon to raise donations and awareness for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Cymru.

Sara, from Llangennech, completed this race in honour of her late father, Nigel, who passed away in November 2022 after suffering a heart attack.

The 20-year-old Sara told InYourArea: “We had no idea he had any heart problems. It was completely unexpected.

“At his funeral, we asked for donations to the BHF instead of flowers. That connection stayed with me, and as I learned more about the charity and the work they do, I wanted to do something more.”

Motivated by personal experience, her studies, and an increased interest in heart health, Sara ran in support of the BHF Cymru.

Through the JustGiving website, she raised £1,080, far exceeding her original goal of £800. Sara told The Cardiff Tab: “I decided to run the Cardiff half, even though before signing up I’d never ran before.

“I wanted to set myself the challenge and raise money for such an incredible cause very close to my heart, after my dad unfortunately died of a heart attack in 2022.

“Since then I’ve kept a special place in my heart for the BHF and the work that they do.”

via JustGiving

Sara is in her second year of medical studies at Cardiff University; she balanced her academic workload with training, maintaining a rigorous schedule despite the difficulties of exam season.

Race day brought the companionship of her friend Solene, who also took part in the half-marathon, her sister Alice, and mum Delyth, who cheered from the sidelines.

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Sara said: “The atmosphere was incredible – so much support and energy. It was emotional, but I felt proud to be running for Dad.”

When asked about Sara’s fundraising run, Rhodri Thomas, head of BHF Cymru, said: “We are so proud of Sara, and all our runners at this year’s Cardiff Half Marathon for their commitment to our cause. It’s people like Sara that will bring us closer to the day that everyone has a healthier heart for longer. Diolch o galon.”

Due to cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks and strokes, approximately 800 families in Wales will suffer the loss of a loved one. For Sara, finishing the Cardiff Half Marathon was more than an individual triumph – it was a way of honouring her father and a step forward in preventing similar heartbreak for others.

She said: “To me, BHF Cymru represents hope. Their research means that in the future, families might not have to go through what we did. I just want to thank them for everything they’re doing – and I hope I’ve made my dad proud.”

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