Emerald Windows supports local runners taking on the Swindon half-marathon for Prospect Hospice

Three local runners have strapped on their trainers to take on the Swindon Half-Marathon, showing their support for local legend Dawn Ayim as she navigates cancer. The trio is raising vital funds for Prospect Hospice and have been training tirelessly for the big day.

The Swindon Half-Marathon takes place on Saturday 28th September, starting at 9am and finishing around 12:30pm at Coate Water Main Car Park – 28 The Birches, Marlborough Rd, Swindon, SN3 1PT.

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How the challenge began

Nigel originally signed up for the half-marathon as a personal challenge. But after Dawn’s diagnosis, his son Carl and family friend Jason decided to join him. Together, the three turned it into a cause-driven effort – with Emerald Windows and Doors proud to step in as sponsor.

Training for the half-marathon

None of them were natural runners. Carl and Jason are more at home in the gym, while Nigel only began running a few months ago. Through a dedicated routine of shorter mid-week runs and long weekend sessions, the team have shown true commitment to making their first half-marathon count.

Why this cause is personal

Beyond her presence in the Haydon Wick and Swindon community, Dawn also shares a close connection with Nigel. His son Carl is engaged to Angel, Dawn’s daughter, making this challenge deeply meaningful for their family.

Nigel’s story of determination

Nigel’s resilience is inspiring. As a teenager, he suffered a serious knee injury that eventually led to a full knee replacement and multiple surgeries. Doctors once told him his sporting days were over.

“My surgeon said that was it – my running days were finished,” Nigel recalls. “But here I am now, running my first half-marathon.”

About Prospect Hospice

Prospect Hospice provides free-of-charge, specialist care for people living with life-limiting illnesses across Swindon and North East Wiltshire. Their dedicated team offers support at the hospice’s inpatient unit, in patients’ homes, and in the wider community.

Every donation makes a difference to the vital work they do. Here are just some examples of how contributions are used:

• £45 pays for a one-hour session with a clinical psychologist.

• £201 pays for one 12-hour shift for a Healthcare Assistant (HCA).

• £326 pays for one 12-hour shift for a Registered Nurse (RN).

• £1,250 covers the team’s travel costs for one month of home visits.

• £2,892 pays to staff the entire unit for one day.

How you can show support

As of writing, the fundraising page has already raised an incredible £4,806, thanks to the generosity of the Swindon community. The runners hope to push the total even higher before race day.

If you’re local, why not cheer them on during the Swindon Half-Marathon? Your encouragement could give them the boost they need to cross the finish line.

You can also donate directly to their GoFundMe page – every contribution helps Prospect Hospice continue its vital work.

Emerald’s pride in our runners

At Emerald, we are incredibly proud to be sponsoring Nigel, Carl and Jason in this challenge. Supporting our community is at the heart of what we do, and we stand alongside them in showing Dawn and her family that Swindon is behind them.

Join us in making a difference – donate today through their official fundraising page, or come along on race day to cheer them on.

Together, we can help Prospect Hospice continue its life-changing work for families across Swindon and North East Wiltshire.

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