When Jayne Brewer first met Amy Seppman, the then-incoming president of the Swansea Bay Business Club, she had no idea that a simple conversation would lead her to run the Cardiff Half Marathon in support of a cause close to her heart. Jayne and her husband Andrew joined forces to take on the challenge, raising vital funds for Faith in Families as part of the Swansea Bay Business Club’s 40 Cubed Challenge.
Faith in Families, a Swansea-based charity, focuses on supporting children and families living in poverty. This cause struck a deep chord with Jayne, who has long been aware of the invisible struggles many local families face. “A lot of people don’t realise the poverty that exists on our doorstep,” Jayne explains, highlighting why this charity resonated so strongly with her.
It all began with a spark of inspiration from Amy, who made it hard for anyone to say no. Jayne hadn’t run for a while but felt compelled to get involved. She signed up for the Cardiff Half Marathon alongside her husband Andrew, and together they raised over £1,300 for Faith in Families. The support and motivation they received from the charity and the Swansea Bay Business Club were instrumental in keeping them on track.
Reflecting on race day, Jayne recalled the electric atmosphere and incredible support from the crowd. CEO of Faith in Families Cherrie, was there cheering them on, and Jayne’s connection to the event only deepened as they passed iconic landmarks like the Wales Millennium Centre. “Running past Roald Dahl Pass was magical,” she said, “The support along Lloyd George Avenue was amazing, and that’s what keeps you going.”
Jayne admits that training for a half marathon isn’t easy, especially when balancing family life and work. However, she found ways to fit in her runs, often heading out early in the morning before her kids were awake. “It’s tough, there’s no substitute for the miles,” she shared, but with a supportive community behind her, the challenge became more manageable.
Beyond the physical accomplishment of completing the marathon, Jayne emphasises the importance of raising awareness for local charities like Faith in Families. “The work they do is incredible, and there’s an instant recognition of how the money is being spent in our city,” she said. Visiting local centres like Clase and Bonymaen only reaffirmed her commitment to the cause, seeing firsthand how the charity makes a tangible difference in children’s lives.
The race wasn’t Jayne’s first foray into running, having completed the London Marathon in 2011, an experience that she said changed her life. But this time, supporting a local cause that helps children who might live in dire situations gave the challenge new meaning.
Jayne’s advice to others thinking about doing something similar? “Get something in the diary. It doesn’t have to be a marathon—it could be a 3K, a bake sale, or something else that you enjoy.” She believes everyone can contribute in their own way, whether that’s through physical challenges or creative fundraising efforts like crafting or hosting events.
As part of Swansea Bay Business Club’s 40 Cubed Challenge, Jayne’s story highlights not only the importance of personal motivation but also the strength of community. Together, businesses, individuals, and families can come together to make a real difference, one step—or one mile—at a time.
There’s still time to support Jayne’s incredible effort—donations can be made on her LocalGiving page before it closes on October 30th 2024!
