We want to cheer on all our colleagues taking part in the Long Course Weekend Wales “Powered By” Hugh James event, as it kicks off this weekend in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
As proud sponsors of the event, we’re thrilled that 13 of our colleagues have signed up to take part, including the complete triathlon, marathon, half marathon, bike races, and swimming races. Our partnership also helps support sports participation initiatives among hundreds of school children in the local area.
Powering up HJ employees ahead of the event, triathlon enthusiast and Partner in our Corporate/Commercial team Siôn Tudur issued some inspirational advice, reminding participants “this is the victory lap” and urging everyone to “enjoy the days”.
Siôn is taking on the full LCW Wales. He set himself the personal challenge of getting “the coveted 4th medal” in 2024 which, he tells us, “you get for doing the three events – the swim, bike and the run”.
Siôn represented Hugh James in all three categories in 2023 however, due to his gruelling training schedule for Iron Man Wales, he opted for the half marathon run on the Sunday, rather than taking on the full 26.2-mile route.
With another year of training under his belt, he is relishing the sporting challenge ahead, inspired by Hugh James’ sponsorship representing the importance of wellbeing for men and women and with first-hand experience of what he declared a “fantastic event” and “a lot of fun”.
Also representing the Corporate/Commercial team is Senior Associate Cam McKellar. After taking part in the LCW 1.2 mile swim event last year; Cam is doubling the distance this year by tackling the 2.4 mile swim. Commenting on the added challenge:
“The atmosphere and build up to the swim was brilliant so I wanted to return to try the 2.4 mile version this year. This will be the furthest swim I’ve taken part in, previously having completed 2 miles in the Serpentine, London.”
Catherine Adamec, Trainee Solicitor in the Corporate/Commercial department, is based in our London office and travelling to Pembrokeshire this weekend. When asked about the event earlier this year, she commented:
“I was looking for a challenge for the new year and something to really push myself. I’m currently running three times a week, and I’ve found some great running routes through the city and along the river, which makes it much more enjoyable as you get distracted by your surroundings. I’m also loving all of the carbs I’m getting to eat as running fuel!”
“I recently completed the London Landmarks Half Marathon, which was tough, and the thought of having to double that is quite daunting, but the atmosphere was great, and I really enjoyed it.”
Josh Coupe, Paralegal, is one of two colleagues from our Court of Protection team in Manchester who will be travelling to Tenby for the event. He said:
“We’ve been motivating each other and informing the team of our training. I’m excited to get down to South Wales, see the coast and enjoy a big event with like-minded people. As someone that enjoys all sport, I’m really keen to get involved and potentially meet staff from other offices. I saw last year’s events, and the individuals who took part seemed to enjoy themselves fully.”
In addition to taking on a cycling challenge he’s never faced, Josh is fundraising for PAPYRUS, our firm’s charity partner in the North.
The other participant traveling down from Manchester this year is Mark Wilding, Senior Associate in our Court of Protection team. This is Mark’s first time participating in the event, and he is due to tackle the 42-mile bike race. Speaking on the event:
“I used to love cycling and have done a couple of long trips before but, with a young family, I have not been able to get out as much as I would like; committing time to training between work and family life is a challenge.
This event has prompted me to get back on the bike and re-engage a much-loved hobby. In 2010, I cycled from Paris to Amsterdam over five days with a group of friends to raise money for Cancer Research. As the trip was a success, it led to a further cycling challenge from Amsterdam to Copenhagen, again over a five-day period.”
Amy Owen, Senior Associate in the Military team, is brave enough to take on not one but two of the challenges at the LCW this year with the 42-mile cycle event followed by the 10k run. After suffering from postnatal depression after the birth of both her children, Amy turned to sports to support her mental health and wellbeing. She said:
“I recently joined my local triathlon club and found both it and the friendships I have gained incredibly important and inspiring. Over the years, I have focused on taking part in running events and last year completed the Cardiff half marathon on behalf of the ABF Soldiers’ Charity who my team work closely with. This year, I really wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and take on a cycling challenge alongside running. The LCW is the perfect event to ease my way into this with the events spread out over the weekend instead of one after the other like a typical triathlon.”
Also cycling his way to fitness after the birth of his second child is Jon Budge, Senior Marketing Manager at Hugh James who works closely with our serious injury department.
Serious Injury Partner Cari Sowden-Taylor is tackling the half marathon at the LCW this year. As an avid half marathon runner, having completed around 20 half marathons in her time, Cari Sowden-Taylor is talking on LCW’s Half Marathon route this weekend. She said:
“I wanted to get involved as a new challenge in a lovely part of the world, having never run a half marathon in Pembrokeshire before. As Hugh James is supporting the event, I thought I would get involved. I’m looking forward to a new route around beautiful Tenby, although, during the last couple of weeks, I have spoken with a few people who did it last year, and apparently, it’s really hilly, which I am definitely not ready for!”
Good luck to all our colleagues with their sporting challenges ahead. We hope you and your family and friends have a great weekend.
