Ex-Wales international Ryan Jones to run London Marathon for NSPCC

Ex-Wales rugby international Ryan Jones is taking on the London Marathon to help raise vital funds for the NSPCC.

The three-time Grand Slam winner is raising money for the child protection charity after seeing the impact the pandemic has had on children and young people across Wales.

The charity’s Childline service, which has two bases in Wales, has delivered thousands of counselling sessions around mental wellbeing, family and relationship breakdowns, and abuse since the start of the pandemic.

To help make sure Childline can continue to be a lifeline for the younger generation when they need it most, Ryan has decided to tackle the London Marathon on October 3.

He said: “I take my inspiration from others. What I have seen and heard inspires me to help and support when and where I can. If what I do, or have done, just helps one child then I feel I have made a difference.

“26.2 lonely, painful miles is nothing at all compared to some of the things our young people have had to endure, which breaks my heart.”

Supporter Fundraising Manager at NSPCC Cymru/Wales, Emma Brennan said: “Ryan is a huge supporter of the NSPCC and takes a real interest in the critical role our charity plays in supporting children and young people when they need it.

‘Rely on public donations’ 

“We are delighted that Ryan has decided to run the London Marathon for Team NSPCC because we rely on public donations for 90% of our income and by taking on fundraising challenges like this people can really help us be here for children and young people.

“Those who have a London Marathon place can still register to run for #TeamNSPCC and join Ryan in supporting our fight for every childhood this October, and for those looking further ahead they can sign up via our website for a place with us in 2022.”

Ryan added: “The London Marathon is one of, if not the most, iconic mass participation event on the planet. It’s selfishly a bucket-list type event, but more importantly I love to ‘show and inspire’ – because if I can do it then anyone can.

“I love the excitement of the days before, the morning of the race and the anticipation of thousands of others as you await the start! I am excited about seeing the crowd and landmarks and of course the finish line.

“I did the virtual London Marathon last year with some friends in my home town of Swansea, bumping into lots of others doing it too. Let’s just say I got it done, but I don’t think Mo Farah has much to worry about just yet.”