Clay Shaw Butler's Amanda completes the half marathon

Clay Shaw Butler accountant Amanda Russell completed the Cardiff half marathon.
She joined a team of six other runners raising money for a small country in west Africa called Burkina Faso.
Amanda said: "I finished in 1 hour 57 minutes and so far we have raised more than £3000 for the Burkina Faso project, although we are still pushing to reach our group target of £5000 and there’s still time to give at http://www.justgiving.com/teams/BurkinaFaso
"You can also donate by texting FASO50 £5 to 70070. You can change the amount to any sum you want to give.

"There was an amazing atmosphere in Cardiff on what turned out to be a dry and fresh morning. There was plenty of hustle and bustle before we started and I bumped into numerous well-known faces on the journey up to the start line.

"The crowd of runners was daunting and the water stations were eventful, ducking, diving and jumping over bottles! Everyone was in high spirits around the course and the spectators were brilliant at keeping morale high on the way around although being told at mile 10 that you’re nearly there and it's all downhill from now on was a blatant lie!

"I was very glad to see the finish line, although finishing the experience off with steak and chips and tales of the days events made all the pain a distant memory! All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would definitely do it again . . . just not for a few weeks!

"I'd like to thank all family, friends, customers and clients who helped support me and gave generously to our charitable cause."

Amanda added: "The United Nations rates Burkina Faso as the world's third poorest country and so they need as much help and money as we can give to allow them a chance to become self sustainable. The money being raised is specifically being put towards flood prevention.

"Remember: Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never share them with anyone or send you unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. They'll make sure Gift Aid (an additional 28%) is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer, too. That means more money goes to the charity, faster, with JustGiving."
Amanda Russell ATT FCCA is a Relationship Accountant with Clay Shaw Butler chartered accountants and business consultants in Carmarthen.
The team at Clay Shaw Butler can be contacted on 01267 228500 or through the website at www.clayshawbutler.com