Marathon mission a “no-brainer” for father-of-two determined to raise money for NSPCC and inspire others ahead of Childhood Day

A father-of-two from Llanelli is preparing to take on his first marathon to raise money for a child protection charity after running to keep fit during the initial lockdown.

Aled Phillips, 38, signed up for the London Marathon, having been inspired to get involved during the first wave of the pandemic, and is currently training for the 26.2-mile challenge on October 3, running for Team NSPCC.

“I found that getting out in the fresh air was a fantastic stress relief,” says Aled.

“As we all experienced, it was quite tough to find ways to be able to unwind after long days spent in meetings and at the computer. But walking and being out in the fresh air certainly helped during what was a strange and stressful time.”

Aled is a Chartered Financial Planner and Operations Director at Newport-based Independent Financial Advisers, Niche. Niche has been supporting the NSPCC since August 2020, regularly promoting the charity’s campaigns on its 32-square-metre digital billboard next to the M4 at the Brynglas Tunnels.

“We’re a really family-orientated company and charity-orientated company,” says Aled. “Because of that, the protection of children is something we really care about and there’s no charity so well-placed to support so many across the country. That’s why when I set my mind to running a marathon to raise funds, NSPCC was a no-brainer.”

Aled is hoping to raise £2,500 for the NSPCC with his marathon run and isn’t the only fundraiser at Niche – pre-COVID, its workforce raised more than £20,000 for charity.

“This year, I’ll be doing the London Marathon for NSPCC, while another member of the staff will be doing a triathlon for Ty Hafan,” says Aled.

“So, we know that together, both the team and the company as a whole can do really good things for our community, and I can’t wait to go further with the NSPCC!”

The charity’s Childline service has delivered almost 90,000 counselling sessions to children and young people across the UK about mental health or abuse since April last year.

“The fact that the NSPCC deliver critical support so many children across the whole of the UK is inspirational,” says Aled.

“Our charity initiative at Niche sees us support both local charities as part of our Charity of the Quarter programme, and larger charities on a longer ranging basis. NSPCC is one of these, thanks to the fact that they are able to change children’s lives in order to provide the best start in life possible.

“Here in Wales, we’re faced by a range of issues in delivering opportunities to as many as possible, so the work NSPCC does to provide a chance to those in need is unrivalled.”

Childline bases in Cardiff and Prestatyn are two of twelve across the UK that counsel children every day of the year, whilst the charity also supports families in Wales with its direct services – helping keep children safe online through its In Ctrl service, and providing therapeutic support to children who have been sexually abused.

Aled is on schedule with his training sessions so far and has been running and cycling to balance his five-day-a-week workout and says he’s been “enjoying the release that it gives me”.

Aled is hoping to achieve a time of under four hours and is eager for the weather to be kind on race day.

He says: “Either in wet or hot weather, running really isn’t as fun – and with it being my first marathon, I’d love to be able to take in as much as possible, and see as many friends, family and colleagues out on the streets to support me.

“Other than that, though, my main emotion is excitement. It’s a landmark event, a bucket list goal of mine, and even more special given we’re coming out of a global pandemic.”

Aled is hoping his marathon effort will inspire others ahead of the NSPCC’s annual Childhood Day on Friday 11 June. With the help of NSPCC Wales Ambassador for Childhood, Sam Warburton, the charity is calling on people everywhere to play their part in giving children a great summer and brighter future by organising a play event for friends, family or colleagues to raise money and help keep children safe.

Niche is playing its part in supporting next month’s fundraising event by promoting it on its digital billboard for passengers on the M4 to spot until Sunday 6 June.

Supporter Fundraising Manager at NSPCC Cymru/Wales, Emma Brennan says: “It’s great to see Aled combining ticking off a bucket-list event with raising money for the NSPCC – we think it’s a great match!

“Supporters like Aled help fund the life-changing work we carry out, including being there for children, young people and adults with our Childline and helpline services. We rely on public donations for 90% of our funding, so every person who chooses to fundraise for us is helping us make a difference to the families we work with.

“We’re delighted Aled has picked #TeamNSPCC and the good news is that as well as the option of getting involved in Childhood Day, we still have charity places left for the London Marathon, so it’s not too late for anyone out there who might still be looking for their next challenge and inspired by his efforts.”

Team NSPCC runners receive world class training tips and tailored support from the charity’s training partners as we all their own NSPCC running vest. For more information, including how to sign-up, visit the NSPCC website where you can also find information about this year’s Childhood Day.

For more information about Aled’s challenge, visit his fundraising page.

Childline is available for young people on 0800 1111 or at www.childline.org.uk

Anyone concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000. Adult victims of non-recent sexual abuse can also get in touch for support.