1,300 superheroes soared into Cardiff’s Glamorgan Cricket Ground on Sunday for the highly anticipated Superhero 5K Fun Day, back for its third year. The event, which brought together families, friends, and fitness enthusiasts, was a tremendous success, raising over £65,000 for the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity.
The picturesque cricket ground was transformed into a vibrant Heroes Village filled with colourful capes, masks, and an electric atmosphere as participants of all ages donned their favourite superhero costumes to support a cause close to their hearts. From Wonder Woman to Spider-Man, the ground was a sea of heroic enthusiasm and community spirit.
Among the many children’s hospital families taking part today was Morgan’s Army, who had gathered a team of friends and family to take part in memory of Morgan Ridler who died a year ago after a battle with a rare form of cancer. The team decided to sign up to raise vital funds for one of the charities that supported Morgan and his close family during his treatment.
The 5k kicked off with a lively warm-up session led by local fitness instructor, Rae Carpenter, who made sure that everyone was pumped and ready to go. Participants weaved a scenic route through Pontcanna Fields, cheered on by supporters and volunteers along the way. The party spirit continued once back at the Heroes Village with a whole host of family-friendly activities, including face painting, obstacle courses and a mini food festival.
Sam Barnard, event manager for the Noah’s Ark Charity said: “Seeing 1,300 people come together in superhero costumes to support Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity is truly heartwarming. The energy and enthusiasm has been phenomenal, and we are so proud of our superheroes for raising such an incredible amount of money. Those funds will now go on to ensure that 73,000 young patients a year get the best possible medical care and child-centred support, over and above what the NHS can provide alone. It’s thanks to our incredible community of supporters and fundraisers that we’re able to fund innovative medical equipment, provide emotional and practical support services to families, and make the hospital a less frightening place by sprinkling a little fun and happiness into hospital days.”
Kelly Finch, whose daughter, Olivia was featured as a superhero character on the event promotional materials said: “Olivia was delighted to be chosen as one of the superhero characters, she loved that she was a fairy princess. It was incredible day raising money for the charity that has supported us throughout Olivia’s diagnosis. We couldn’t be prouder to be involved, and to have all our family and friends as ‘Finch Force’ there to support us made it extra special.”
