A CLERGYMAN insists he will be driven on to finish this year’s Lloyds Bank Cardiff Half Marathon by the aim of raising awareness of the issue of homelessness.

Phil Wall is currently studying for a PhD in theology and education from Kings College, London, but will relocate to Wales this summer to work as a United Reformed Church minister in Pontypridd.

With the Lloyds Bank Cardiff Half Marathon taking place on October 5, Phil has jumped at the chance to get to know his new region better and raise funds for housing charity Adref.

The charity, supported by the churches that Phil will serve, aims to eradicate homelessness in the South Wales Valleys, and the 33-year-old is looking to do all he can to help.

“I’m moving to Pontypridd in mid-August so doing this half marathon will give me a chance to enjoy Wales’ largest road race while racing money for a charity which is supported by the churches I will serve,” he said.

“It keeps you going knowing you are running for a worthwhile cause.”

Lloyds Bank is in its fifth year as title sponsor of the event. Well over 19,000 people regularly take part in the 10K and half marathon road races in Cardiff.

“I did my first full marathon last year, running the London in four and a half hours,” said Phil, from Orpington. “I’ve done a few half-marathons too so I’m looking forward to Cardiff.

“It will give me a chance to get to know the area better and, hopefully, there will be lots of people coming to watch.”

Lloyds Bank is proud to continue its support of the Lloyds Bank Cardiff Half Marathon – Wales’ largest mass participation event. Entries are still available at: www.cardiffhalfmarathon.co.uk