LACING up her trainers to take part in her first ever 26.2-mile marathon is Gill Cripwell, of Whitehill, Cresselly.
She’s running in memory of her beloved husband Ian who passed away suddenly last February to raise money for Plan International UK to support child projects in Kenya through education, healthcare, and well-being projects to ensure his legacies live on.
“Ian was 62-years-old and loved life and still had a life to live with a focus to achieve, personally and in his work life,” said mum of three and three times nanu Gill who has only previously run the Tenby 10k.
“Ian dearly loved Mombasa, Kenya, and sadly died there. Ian was tall, handsome, outgoing with a huge personality and sense of humour to match and left an impression on everyone he met.”
When Ian left school, he worked for the NHS and worked his way up through the ranks. In 1988, the family - Ian, Gill and children Lee-Anne, Stuart and Dan - moved to Pembrokeshire where Ian was director of operational services at Withybush Hospital until 1997 when he left the NHS and moved to Mombasa, working for His Highness The Aga Khan, improving and innovating Aga Khan health services and providing accessibility for the most needy.
Continued Gill: “Kenya weaves its magic in our hearts, the country that Ian and I dearly loved. The diversity, traditions, the coffee and everyday challenges in work and life.
“Raising funds for Plan International UK will support child projects in Kenya through education, healthcare, and well-being projects. They also provide opportunity, choice and improve a child’s standard of living.
“The opportunity to raise funds for such a charity is two-fold for me. A personal challenge to focus me daily. To celebrate Ian’s life, which he lived to the full and remembering him and his legacy to his family on marathon day, April 24, with huge pride.”
Added Gill, who undertook substantial volunteer work when she lived in Mombasa: “ Ian, worked for over 20 years in developing countries throughout the world,working tirelessly to improve conditions in the health field for the poor. He undertook these challenges full on and became well-known for his skills in the health world.
“Personally Ian gave hope and support to many local Kenyan families supporting them day to day with food, health bills, education costs, clothing and his great wisdom. We have Brian, a Kenyan young man who is studying at Eldoret University and is in his second year who is being supported with fees costs. With my ongoing support Brian will achieve and graduate and I have promised him I will be there for his graduation.
“There was no other charity other than Plan International UK that could achieve my wish for Ian and the celebration of his life.
“My fundraising target is £5,000, please support Ian and I and on reading his story I hope I have touched your hearts and minds to help me achieve this amount and realise my challenges ahead.
“Training is going well - both on the road and at the fitness classes I attend at Croft Country Park - and I am enjoying getting out and remembering all our happy times in Kenya.”
Donations can be pledged online via www.justgiving.com/gillcripwell