BOUQUET OF THE WEEK Fundraiser Paul in half marathon charity challenge

A man from Cardiff hoping to run 100 half marathons in a year is this week’s winner of the Echo Bouquet of the Week.

Paul Harris, 46, from Penarth, wants to complete the challenge to raise £10,000 for children’s charity Bobath, which provides care and support for children with cerebral palsy.

The novice runner started his training in March and has so far completed 55 half marathons. But two months ago he fell off his bike and fractured his skull in two places.

He said: “I was unconscious on the street for a while. Luckily, there were trainee doctors from Cardiff Medical School nearby who were able to help me.”

Now Paul is determined to fulfil his goal to raise money to help children and families with the support they need. He said: “Children go in there unable to move and they come out able to do things they couldn’t before.”

And, despite barely running before, he’s determined to give the challenge his best shot.

“I ran the Cardiff Half Marathon a few years ago and found it really tough,” he said. “However, when I decided to give it another go, I discovered I could run really well. I’m a bit behind schedule after my fall, but I’m building it up and looking forward to raising the money for Bobath Wales.”

Paul was nominated for the flowers by fundraiser Caroline Davies.

She said: “Paul has been a great advocate of Bobath Wales for 10 years. He first got involved when he supported our first Lon Las Bike Ride and has continued to show support ever since. We couldn’t be more proud of Paul for reaching the halfway mark of his half marathon challenge. He’s an inspiration and we can’t wait to see him cross the finish line of his final half marathon next March on St David’s Day.”

If you know someone who deserves an Echo Bouquet of the Week, e-mail your nomination, with reasons, and your name, address and telephone number to echo. newsdesk@walesonline.co.uk. You can also write to South Wales Echo, Six Park Street, Cardiff, CF10 1XR. Usual Media Wales terms and conditions apply and all nominees must agree to be photographed.