In August 2019 Gavin Pugh took his own life. He had been struggling on and off for a number of years with his mental health and in the end, despite support, it became too much for him.
Gavin was a wonderful son, brother, colleague, and friend, as well as club mate to runners at Moti Cardiff and CDF Runners. Both clubs, with the support of his family, arranged for a run in his memory and to raise funds for Mind.
The first #RunForGav took place on World Suicide Prevention Day 2019 in Roath, Cardiff. Hundreds of runners turned out to mark their respects, and to highlight the issue of suicide.
In memory of Gavin, a huge Wales supporter, everyone wore red. A simultaneous run took place in Gavin’s home town of Porthmadogg, and many clubs and individuals out on their evening runs took part by wearing red and sharing their pictures with the hashtag #runforgav. Runners from many corners of the world took part.
As per the wishes of his family, a fundraising campaign raised money for Mind. Together with a number of other fundraising events over £5000 has been raised for the vital work that Mind do.
2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 saw #RunForGav events organised by local run clubs and 2024 we hope to see the same.