A look back at ACT’s charity efforts in 2024

The past year has been marked by a number of exciting fundraisers and charity initiatives, both within ACT and for colleagues taking on individual challenges. 

Last month we celebrated Children in Need with comfy clothes and a raffle, while back in September teams donned their oven mitts and whipped up some delectable desserts in support of Macmillan. 

Jenna West, Wellbeing and Engagement Officer at ACT, who arranges many of the company’s fundraising events, said: “Engaging and taking part in charity activities is not only beneficial for the community but for the employees talking part. Research shows that carrying out acts of kindness or working towards a shared goal can improve your mental wellbeing and happiness.” 

We spoke to three employees who took on a challenge for a good cause and they shared why they did it and what it meant to them. 

Back in September, Schools Inclusion Manager David Carroll, took on one of the most iconic (and gruelling) physical feats – Ironman.  

“I competed for Tenovus Cancer Charity,” Dave explained. “I chose the charity because it does so much for those affected by cancer. It supports people affected by cancer, as well as their families and loved ones. I also chose to compete for Tenovus because my father was diagnosed with cancer in his kidney. Thankfully, he was able to have treatment, which was successful.” 

It was the first time Dave had taken part in the event, which consists a 2.4-mile sea swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run (equivalent to a marathon distance alone). 

“It is known to be one of the hardest and most challenging events to complete in,” Dave said. “I really like a challenge, so I set myself the goal of completing all five triathlon distances (Super Sprint, Sprint, Olympic, Half Ironman, and Ironman), which led to the Ironman in Tenby.  

“I trained for a full year, which involved training twice a day while also working and coaching in my part-time job for Cardiff City Women.  

“I loved every minute of the training, as it really tested me both physically and mentally.” 

But it was not just the physical aspect of the commitment that proved an exciting challenge – there was also the task of fundraising. 

Dave said: “I had a JustGiving page, but my parents and my sister were incredible in helping with the sponsorship. They own a Post Office, which includes a café, and they would tell every customer that I was competing in the Ironman. Many of the customers donated through them, and any spare change left over was also donated! That really helped me.” 

When it came to the big day, there were many highlights, but Dave shared a few favourites. 

“Hearing the Welsh national anthem being played and sung by all the athletes and spectators was incredible,” he said. “Seeing my family and partner at certain points was the best feeling. Riding through ‘Heartbreak Hill’ on the bike course was amazing, as there was a line of people about a mile long cheering you on up the hill—it felt just like the Tour de France!  

“However, running down the red carpet and hearing, ‘David Carroll, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!’ is something that will stay with me forever.” 

Dave managed to raise £1,812 for Tenovus and completed his Ironman in 14:25:18. 

At the begin of October, two colleagues took on the Cardiff Half Marathon for two special charities. 

Head of Schools, Antony Leach, took on the challenge for Noah’s Ark. 

“In June 2023, my then 12-year-old daughter, Ruby, was diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma which is cancer of the blood,” Antony explained. “The staff at Noah’s Ark took exceptional care of her and she is now one year in remission. 

“Being sat on a children’s cancer ward is an unbelievable humbling experience and the staff support very poorly children and their families. They don’t have enough funding so choosing this charity was an easy choice.”  

Although this wasn’t Antony’s first race of this distance, his last half marathon was seven years ago. Thankfully he had the support of his sister-in-law who ran with him for the cause, they also received plenty of support along the way. 

“I was getting regular calls whilst running to let me know if I was going too fast and let me know my pace. Ruby and my family were there too, which was fantastic.  

“My highlight was running around the final bend and hearing my favourite word… “DAAAAD!!” It was Ruby and she had the biggest smile. She was the reason I did it. I’m so proud of her and how brave she is. Thirteen miles is nothing compared to her journey. I’ll never forget that moment.”  

Not one to rest on his laurels, Antony has already signed up for next year’s race and is looking forward to it. 

Communications Manager, Millie Reeves, was also amongst the 27,000 runners who ran the Cardiff Half this year. She took up the challenge for the NSPCC. 

“The charity’s message ‘every childhood is worth fighting for’ says it all,” she said. “The NSPCC was the title charity partner for the race and I managed to get a space through them. I was so pleased to be able to support such a worthwhile charity.” 

Millie entered the race less than two months before the big day and was faced with a daunting fundraising goal of £300.  

“Thankfully ACT was able to help support me,” she explained. “I asked if I could sell some mystery books and hold a small bake sale in the office. Tammy the receptionist at head office was a huge help giving my books a spot on reception, and colleagues bought my cakes. 

“I wouldn’t have been able to reach my target without ACT’s sponsorship and my colleagues’ generosity.”