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CDA Managing Director Runs Nottingham Half Marathon Dressed as a Fridge  

On Sunday 28 September, CDA Managing Director Chris Ward will take on the Nottingham Half Marathon with a unique twist: he will be running the full 13.1 miles dressed as a fridge.

This unusual challenge is more than just a headline-grabber. Chris is running to raise funds for Harmless and its sister service, The Tomorrow Project, two organisations dedicated to supporting people affected by self-harm, suicide, and bereavement. With CDA Appliances match-funding every donation, every pound raised will have double the impact.

About the Nottingham Half Marathon

The Nottingham Half Marathon is one of the region’s most popular running events, attracting thousands of participants every year. The course winds through the city, showcasing some of Nottingham’s most iconic landmarks, and always delivers an electric atmosphere thanks to the cheering crowds.

This year, spectators are guaranteed an extra reason to cheer when they see Chris running past in a giant fridge costume. The light-hearted nature of the outfit adds humour and fun, but behind the costume is a serious mission: to raise awareness for mental health support and suicide prevention.

About Harmless

Harmless is a national centre of excellence for self-harm and suicide prevention. Founded in 2007, it is a user-led organisation, which means its services are shaped and guided by people with lived experience.

Harmless provides:

• Direct support for people who self-harm.
• Resources and information for families and carers.
• Training and consultancy for professionals and organisations.
• Campaigning work to reduce stigma and raise awareness about self-harm.

The charity’s mission is to reduce isolation, distress, and stigma while promoting health, recovery, and hope. By supporting Harmless, CDA is helping ensure that more people in crisis can access the right help at the right time.

About The Tomorrow Project

The Tomorrow Project was launched in 2012 after a series of tragic local suicides in Nottinghamshire. It was created to ensure that those affected by suicide could access urgent, compassionate, and practical support.

The project now offers:

• Crisis intervention services for those experiencing suicidal thoughts.
• Outreach support to engage with communities most at risk.
• Bereavement support for families, friends, and colleagues who have lost someone to suicide.

Operating across Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, and Derbyshire, the Tomorrow Project has become a lifeline for people navigating the darkest moments of their lives.

Why CDA is Supporting Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

At CDA, we believe businesses have a responsibility to support the communities they serve. Mental health challenges affect people in every workplace, family, and community. Supporting charities like Harmless and The Tomorrow Project is one way we can contribute to creating a culture of compassion, understanding, and hope.

CDA has a proud history of community engagement, from supporting local initiatives in Nottinghamshire to backing national campaigns that make a difference. By sponsoring Chris’s fridge run, we want to raise both awareness and funds for organisations that are truly changing lives.

A Word From Chris

Chris himself shared why this challenge means so much to him: “Running a half marathon is tough enough, but doing it dressed as a fridge adds a whole new level of challenge. It’s a fun way to draw attention to an incredibly serious cause. Harmless and The Tomorrow Project do life-saving work, and if dressing up helps spark a conversation and raise more funds, then it’s worth every step. I’m proud that CDA is not only supporting me but doubling every donation to maximise the impact.”

Every Donation Doubled by CDA

To make every contribution go even further, CDA will 100% match fund all donations. That means every pound you give will be doubled, directly supporting Harmless and The Tomorrow Project.

For example:

• A £10 donation becomes £20.
• A £25 donation becomes £50.
• A £100 donation becomes £200.

Every penny raised will be shared between the two charities, ensuring more people can access life-saving services.

How You Can Help

You can show your support for Chris’s fridge run in a few simple ways:

1. Donate online – Even a small contribution will make a big difference, especially with CDA’s match-funding. 👉 https://localgiving.org/fundraising/chriswardCDA
2. Share the message – Post about Chris’s run and Harmless on social media to help spread awareness.
3. Cheer on the day – If you’re in Nottingham on 28 September, join the crowds and cheer Chris on as he takes on the half marathon.

Cheering on CDA’s Managing Director

Running 13.1 miles is a challenge in itself, but doing it in a fridge costume takes dedication to another level. It will be a day to remember not just for Chris and CDA, but for everyone who supports Harmless and The Tomorrow Project through this event.

Let’s get behind CDA Managing Director Chris Ward and show our support as he takes on this unforgettable challenge. Together, with your donations doubled by CDA, we can help provide hope, compassion, and support for those who need it most.

👉 Donate today: https://localgiving.org/fundraising/chriswardCDA