4th Of November by Admin

Andrew Baker, Finance Director for the P&A Group and Iwan Gwyn, Woodworks Garden Centre Manager, also part of the Group, have gone the extra mile during 2021 to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, the company’s chosen charity for 2021. At the start of the year, both Andrew and Iwan set themselves a year-long Marathon Challenge in a bid to raise thousands of pounds for this very worthwhile cause.

Macmillan Cancer Support provides physical, financial and emotional support to people diagnosed with cancer, from the moment they have been diagnosed through treatment and beyond.

Putting on his trainers, Andrew has pounded the pavements clocking up an astonishing 1,454 miles so far during the Challenge, while Iwan has completed an equally impressive 1,034 miles with more miles to follow! Highlights for Andrew of the many challenges include running a staggering 27 miles during the P&A Group 24 Hour Challenge in June as well as posting a personal best (pb) time for the Berlin Marathon at 3 hours 16 minutes and 26 seconds. Iwan’s successes include his first sub 20 minute 5k at Ruthin, posting a time of 19 minutes and 58 seconds. He also finished ninth in his first trail race at the Moel Arthur Trail Race (10k). More recently, both ran the Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon. Andrew ran yet another pb of 1 hour 26 minutes and 29 seconds with Iwan also achieving a pb completing the course in 1 hour 32 minutes and 26 seconds.

Commenting on their achievements this year, Andrew said:

"It's been a tough year due to the pandemic but running is great for mental health and it would be good if, through this challenge, we could inspire more people to give it a go.

"I’ve kept going partly because of my competitive nature - always wanting to go faster or further - but more so due to knowing the funds raised are going to a great cause. I have two family members undergoing cancer treatment at the moment which really puts it into context."

There is still time to donate to Andrew and Iwan’s Macmillan Marathon Challenge and, anyone wishing to do so, can click the link here or here.

The P&A Group comprises Zest 4 Leisure, a leading supplier of award winning timber garden products, The Woodworks Garden Centre and Café in Mold, P&A Pallets & Packaging and St Andrews Business Centre for leased and virtual offices.