Running the Cardiff Half in my grandfather’s memory

Darshni Vaghjiani (International Relations and Politics 2022-) will be taking on October’s Cardiff Half Marathon in memory of her late grandfather.

As a member of #TeamCardiff, she’s fundraising for researchers here on campus, who are improving outcomes for people living with some of the most common cancers. Having already exceeded her fundraising target, Darshni reflects on her training so far as well as her support from family and friends.

What inspired you to sign up to the Cardiff Half Marathon and fundraise for Cardiff University’s cancer research?

In 2020 my grandfather, whom I was very close with, was diagnosed with terminal cancer and passed away a short time later.

Earlier this year, my dad Jeetendra ran the London Marathon for cancer research and in remembrance of my grandfather, and he even had a small article written about him in BBC News. This inspired me to start my own running last March, and I wanted my first Half Marathon to be in remembrance of my grandfather too. I thought running with #TeamCardiff and fundraising for my University’s cancer research would be the best way to do this.

When did you start running and why?  

Around March time, my flatmate Tanvi and I went through a very stressful period and decided we just needed to get out of our house and do some exercise. So, together we started running weekly. I find running a good way to relieve stress and feel my mental health has improved a lot.

In our first week of running, we completed three miles, and the week after we ran six miles. Then, in our third week of running together, we managed ten miles – so that day, we both decided to sign up to the Cardiff Half Marathon. Since then, we have been training together in Cardiff and when I am back home in London, I run with my dad every Sunday morning.

What are your training plans in the weeks leading up to the race?

I am President of Cardiff University’s Asian Society, so I decided to start up the Asian Soc running team, alongside our other sports teams. We run every week at different distances.

I also run six miles with my flatmate every Monday and try to increase my speed. Then on Sundays, when I run with my father, I aim for longer distances.

What are you looking forward to on race day? 

Seeing my friends cheering me on, running my first half marathon with my best friend, and enjoying the atmosphere of hundreds of runners.

My family and friends are proud of me for taking on the race – and I’m very grateful for them donating to my JustGiving page for this very important cause.

What would you say to someone else thinking of running to raise funds for Cardiff University research?  

Sign up and just go for it! You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain.

Support Darshni

Show your support for Darshni on JustGiving and help her boost her fundraising total.

Run the Cardiff Half Marathon in October 

Do you have your own Cardiff Half Marathon place? We’d love you to join #TeamCardiff and support Cardiff University’s cancer or neuroscience and mental health research. Find out more.

Take on a different active challenge 

You don’t have to be a half marathon runner to get fundraising! Whatever your fitness or ability level, there are organised events you can join as part of #TeamCardiff. See the full range of challenges on offer.