Welcome to the fourth instalment of our #shareyourstory series, where we’re sharing the stories of those who’ve found a positive impact on their life through running. This could be through finding solace, happiness or a way to overcome hardship as they progress on their running journey. There are stories of challenges dramatic change or hardship, yet also stories of those who utilised the everyday power of running to make positive changes for their lifestyle, mental or physical health and wellbeing.
The stories will come from across Wales, whether they be from North, South, East or West. We hope that you enjoy hearing about them and can find inspiration for yourself to start or continue your running journey. This time, we hear Roshan’s story where he tells of how running helped him in the aftermath of a major bereavement and major surgery.
“I have to say that running has really changed my life, I’ve met some amazing people who were very supportive and also made friends for life“
This edition, we hear from Roshan, who hails from the city of Cardiff. He’s a keen runner and a member of Les Croupiers Running Club, balancing this alongside his busy law career.
His journey started as he searched for purpose and a renewed focus in the wake of the devastating loss of his wife in 2015 after a long illness. Three months later, his mother also tragically passed away.
Roshan tells of the toll that this took on him. The search for purpose led him to a volunteer role distributing food and breakfast to homeless and vulnerable people. It was here that he met members of Les Croupiers, who suggested that he reconsider running as an option.
Returning to physical activity, Roshan suffered with subsequent health problems, battling tightness in his chest and dizziness at times of exertion. After numerous referrals, he eventually was required to undergo major surgery involving a quadruple heart bypass.
Remarkably however, less than twelve months later, he was ready to return to running. He settled on running the Cardiff 10k in 2018, eagerly supported by his clubmates. The confidence boosting effect at the end of this event led him to target the city’s Half Marathon just a few months later, raising money for cancer charities and the local health board as a way to give back to those who had cared for him during his operation and times of poor health. He was even lucky enough to feature in the local press in print and online!
His next challenge came in 2021, arguably his biggest yet, running the London Marathon, where he again ran to raise money for Cardiff and Vale Health board as well as fundraising for the Velindre Cancer Centre.
One of the most recent highlights of his running story was completing the Marathon Eryri alongside his clubmates from Les Croupiers, traversing its famously steep ascents. An achievement that seems so far removed from his previous adversity.
Fully embedding himself in the sport’s supportive atmosphere, Roshan has undertaken his LiRF course, supported his club’s Couch-to-5k sessions and took on training to be a guide runner. He didn’t even hesitate to assist his neighbours during the pandemic.
Outside of running, he maintains his career as a solicitor as well as recently featuring on several productions around Cardiff as a TV extra. Maybe keep an eye out for him as you sit down for your favourite hospital-based drama…..
As Roshan mentions in the video himself, its been an amazing journey so far and it still hasn’t ended. There’s a long way to go yet and we look forward to hearing more in the future!