Marathon hero backing city’s culture title hopes
THE deadline for UK City of Culture 2021 nominations has closed with much-fancied Cardiff failing to submit a bid.
But two Welsh cities will battle it out for the title.
Swansea will compete against Pembrokeshire’s tiny St Davids in an attempt to win the award.
They are the only two Welsh cities which have made it through to the first stage of the bid, which was submitted on Friday.
Shortlisted cities will then submit a second stage bid in September before the winning city is crowned in December.
Following his heroic stunt at the London Marathon, Swansea runner Matthew Rees has revealed he is backing the city’s bid to win.
Since helping fellow runner David Wyeth cross the finish line after he collapsed a short distance from the end, Mr Rees has received a few marriage proposals.
But despite capturing the hearts of many 29-year-old Matthew said his attention was sharply focused on his running progress and on backing Swansea’s UK City of Culture 2021 bid.
He said that helping people in need forms a big part of the city’s culture.
“It is great that Swansea is going for the UK City of Culture Bid 2021 and I hope everyone is getting behind it,” he said.
“Swansea has so much going for it and the people and the way they treat each other is a big part of that.
“I grew up in Swansea, I went to Bishopston School, and it is true that there is a culture here of looking out for each other. It is something that makes the city special.”
He went on to explain that the things he likes about the city do not just involve things such as theatre, arts and poetry.
The runner also explained that the things people of the city do in their daily lives is what makes them who they are.
“For me my culture is running,” he added.
“And when you can run and train outside, on the beaches of Swansea Bay, or on the promenade, you are in beautiful surroundings.
“Being outdoors helps you clear your mind and really focus on what you are doing – what better place is there to be?
“I’m proud to support Swansea’s UK City of Culture 2021 bid and I would urge everyone in the city to do the same.”
The bid is being led by Swansea council and is being backed by various local cultural and voluntary groups such as Swansea City FC, Swansea Bid, both of the city’s universities, and a host of others who want to see Swansea get through the next round and beyond.
Swansea council’s head of cultural services, Tracey McNulty, added: “It is great to see how Swansea’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021 has really caught people’s imaginations.
“We are pleased to have Matthew Rees on board and his attitude really sums up the people of Swansea.”
Even though it was hoped Cardiff would throw its name into the hat no bid has been submitted.
When the title was opened for bidding in January bookies had the capital as an early favourite.
Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns also backed the idea of a Welsh city taking part earlier this year.
In March the bookies had Perth as the 3/1 favourite. Coventry and Swansea were the 5/1 second favourites and St Davids stood at 6/1.
To claim the title the winning city will have to prove its bid is built around the town or city’s heritage.
It must also show that the £3m lottery funding the selected city will receive in addition will build on that investment.
Other cities to have submitted bids include Sunderland, Hereford, Paisley, Perth and Warrington.
It was an incredible challenge which she was desperate to complete, but Rhian Burke can now say she is a marathon finisher.
Rhian, from Miskin, lost her husband, Paul, and son, George, within days of each other. Since then she has set up the 2 Wish Upon a Star charity to help other bereaved families. Her work has been tireless and inspirational.
This year Rhian took part in a BBC programme called Mind Over Marathon.
She suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder after the two deaths and wanted to take part in the programme to help her own recovery.
During the programme she met the royal trio of Prince William and his wife, Catherine, and Prince Harry.
In a one-to-one meeting with Prince William she asked for reassurance that her remaining two children would be OK. In the second part of the programme, which aired on Thursday night, Rhian is shown completing the London Marathon.
She finished in five hours and 34 minutes. As soon as she crossed the line Rhian burst into tears, telling the programme’s presenter, Nick Knowles: “I just wish they were here to watch me finish.”
He reassured Rhian: “They’re watching.”
She told the camera: “I can’t believe I have just run 26.2 miles. I just can’t believe how lovely people have been to me.
“I am proud of myself. I just wanted to do this and I did it for me. I think it’s going to help me in the long run.”
Her story has inspired others, with people writing messages to Rhian.
Gail Hill wrote on Facebook: “I ran past her and said hello like I knew her .. she’s really touched my heart ... I think she is incredibly brave and should be so proud of what she has conquered ... well done Rhian.. you were amazing x all of you were”
Kimberly Phillips added: “Rhian is such a wonderful lady I don’t know where I’d be with out her she always asks how I’m doing always thinking of us even though she’s going through a lot herself. I lost my six-year-old daughter nearly two years ago now and this women has done so much – seeing her keep going I know I can keep going when I feel like giving up.
“There’s so much this charity does – they gave me a memory box when I lost my daughter, they also gave pjs so my daughter had something to wear straightaway as the doctors ripped her clothes in emergency. They help with counselling. Not just all this they do events where you meet other parents and families that go through the same thing. She’s a really lovely person and she keeps going.”
Jenny Morton said: “What a woman! An inspiration – and all the participants in this programme each and every one. Taught me a lot, thanks for letting us be part of your journeys.”
Kat Clamp-Stock said: “What an incredibly strong woman Rhian is. To take her personal tragedy and anger and turn it into something so inspiring and motivational for others. A true ambassador x”
To sponsor Rhian visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/rhianBurke.