It was about this time last year that I started writing this post, and was in great sadness due to the sudden loss of one of my former flat-mates at university who sadly passed away whilst following his passion in Northern Sumatra working with critically endangered orangutans.
At the beginning of October a number of his friends and family took part in the Cardiff Half Marathon to raise money for the charity set up in his memory, to continue to support the work that he was doing. His memory was the thing that kept us all going, and told us never to give up.
If you'd like to read more about the work that he was doing, and what the charity continues to do, or would like to donate to such a good cause just click on the link below.
And here's the post, I never published it last year because I didn't think it quite right at the time, but since Rich was the inspiration for us last weekend, I thought it fitting to not give up on the post.
"This post is written in sadness, but also in awe of what you can do when you really set your mind to follow your dream and passion.
A couple of weeks ago I attended the funeral of one of my friends from University, a great young man who always had time for everyone else and yet always seemed to be able to do the things that he really wanted to do. This post isn't meant as a long memorial to Rich as I wouldn't be able to do him justice, those of you who spoke at the funeral put it all into words better than any of us and we're all very proud of what you said and couldn't agree more with everything said about him.
I'm going to make sure that I try and live up to his attitude to everything and never give up on stuff that I really want! Whether that's the really serious things in life (that are too deep for this blog) or whether it's the next hill along the road when on the bike or a run - just have to keep thinking "never give up!"
Thanks for the inspiration Rich, you have been and will continue to an inspiration be to everyone that knew you!"
#Run4Rich
