CDA Blog > CDA Managing Director Returns to the Robin Hood Half Marathon After Stroke to Keep His Promise

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CDA Managing Director Returns to the Robin Hood Half Marathon After Stroke to Keep His Promise

Last year, The CDA Group’s Managing Director, Chris Ward, crossed the finish line of the Robin Hood Half Marathon dressed as a CDA fridge, raising awareness and vital funds for Nottinghamshire mental health charities Harmless and The Tomorrow Project.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of colleagues, customers, partners and supporters, Chris raised £3,000, with The CDA Group matching every pound donated to double the impact for the charities.

This year, Chris is returning to the start line for an even more personal challenge.

On Sunday 27 September 2026, Chris will once again take on the 13.1-mile Robin Hood Half Marathon in support of Harmless and The Tomorrow Project. However, this year’s event comes just months after Chris suffered a stroke, resulting in the loss of sight in his left eye.

Despite the challenges of his recovery, Chris is determined to keep the promise he made after completing last year’s race.

Running with purpose

Speaking about this year’s challenge, Chris said:

“When I crossed the finish line last year, I never imagined what the next few months would bring. I promised I’d be back to do it all again, and after my stroke there were times when I genuinely didn’t know whether I’d ever be able to run again, let alone complete another half marathon. Losing the sight in my left eye has meant adapting both physically and mentally, but one thing never changed. I made a promise, and I intend to keep it. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to receive so much support throughout my recovery, and that’s one of the reasons this challenge means so much to me. If taking on these 13.1 miles helps raise vital funds, starts conversations about mental health, or encourages just one person to reach out for help, then every step will have been worthwhile.”

Chris is aiming to raise at least £5,000, with The CDA Group once again matching every pound donated. Together, every contribution will go twice as far in helping Harmless and The Tomorrow Project continue providing vital mental health support to young people and adults across Nottinghamshire and beyond.

Continuing our partnership with Harmless

The CDA Group is proud to have extended its partnership with Harmless and The Tomorrow Project throughout 2026. Alongside Chris’s fundraising challenge, we are also the official kit sponsor of Henry’s Match, Harmless’ annual charity football match, which brings people together through the power of football while encouraging conversations around mental health and raising awareness of the support available.

Craig Taylor, Head of Sales at The CDA Group, said:

“Chris’s determination is an inspiration to everyone at The CDA Group. His decision to return to the Robin Hood Half Marathon after everything he has experienced demonstrates the resilience, courage and commitment that define him. We are incredibly proud to support Chris, to continue our partnership with Harmless and The Tomorrow Project throughout 2026, and to once again match every pound raised to maximise the funds available to these incredible charities. Through our sponsorship of Henry’s Match and Chris’s fundraising challenge, we hope to make a meaningful difference while helping break down the stigma surrounding mental health and ensuring more people know that support is available.”

Jess Paine, Fundraising and Events Officer at Harmless, added:

“Chris’s determination to return to the Robin Hood Half Marathon after everything he has experienced is nothing short of inspiring. His commitment to keeping the promise he made, alongside the continued support of everyone at The CDA Group, will make a real difference to the people and families who rely on our services every day. We are incredibly grateful for their continued partnership and support.”

Support Chris’s challenge