DECORATED soldier, Captain Dan Cope, joined thousands of runners pounding the streets of the Welsh capital as they competed in the 2025 Cardiff Half on Sunday (October 5). After completing the 13-mile race in 1 hour, 24 minutes, Dan was celebrating not just a fast finish, but the conclusion of an epic personal challenge to raise money for his fellow soldiers, veterans and their families.
12 months ago, Dan set himself the goal of completing one or more running events each month for a year to raise money for the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF), the Army’s national charity. A dedicated Cardiff City fan, Dan kicked off his challenge at the capital’s half marathon in 2024, going on to compete in a total of 15 races around the UK, including the Brecon to Cardiff Ultra and the VE Day 80km Challenge.
Last weekend he returned to his hometown for his final race – the 2025 Cardiff Half on October 5, completing the last leg of his year-long challenge surrounded by his friends and family.
Joining Dan at Sunday’s race were 50 other runners supporting the Army Benevolent Fund, including fellow soldier, Billy Kensit, who finished in 1 hour, 13 minutes, and veteran, Marcus Davies. A team of Officer Cadets from the UOTC Wales lent their support along the route, cheering on the ABF team, who between them have raised the thousands for the charity.
Dan has clocked up just shy of 250 miles this year and raised more than £3,500 in support the ABF, which last year supported 80,000 soldiers, veterans and their families in times of need.
He said: “The reason I have set myself this 12-month challenge, and supported the ABF for nearly 10 years, is that I have witnessed first-hand how the Army Benevolent Fund helps our soldiers, veterans and their families in their hour of need.
“I may be biased, but the Cardiff Half Marathon is by far the best event. There is nothing better than running through your home city with the crowds and atmosphere they create.”
The Army Benevolent Fund supports soldiers, former soldiers, and their families through life’s challenges – such as bereavement, injury, getting back to work and elderly care. Over 80,000 people last year were supported by the ABF through its funding for 93 other charities and its grants to individuals. Last year, the ABF responded to almost 200 individual requests for help in Wales. Many of the charities it funds also work across the nation, including organisations such as Alabaré, which helps homeless veterans to re-build their lives, and the Poppy Factory.
Peter Davies, Wales Regional Director for the Army Benevolent Fund, said: “Congratulations to Dan and all our incredible team of runners who took part in this year’s Cardiff Half Marathon.
“Dan has gone above and beyond to complete his 12-month challenge, covering almost 300 miles to raise funds for the charity.
“We are so grateful to Dan, and his fellow fundraisers, and everyone who cheered them to the finish line and has donated vital funds to our work.
“It is only thanks to their dedication that the Army Benevolent Fund is able to offer a lifetime support to soldiers, veterans and their families.”
Welsh Guardsman Dan has had a distinguished 25-year military career, and was formerly the Academy Sergeant Major, one of the most senior soldiers in the British Army, based at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, before taking a commission as a late-entry Army officer earlier this year.
The 2025 Cardiff Half took place just a month before UK-wide Remembrance commemorations, when Dan will be leading the annual Remembrance event at the Cardiff City ground, often laying the wreath himself.
He said: “The poignancy of Remembrance, plus my love for the football club, always makes it a special moment.”
There’s still time to support Dan’s challenge raising vital funds for the Army Benevolent Fund, which for over 80 years has supported solders, former soldiers, and their families. The ABF relies on the generosity of supporters, like Dan, many of whom raise vital funds by taking part in ABF events or activities around the UK or setting up their own challenges.
Visit Just Giving to support Dan’s incredible efforts in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund.
