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, while putting smiles on the faces of thousands of spectators.

Thanks to the generosity of supporters, and with The CDA Group matching every pound Chris raised, the challenge generated an incredible £3,000 for the charities.

Now, on Sunday 27 September 2026, Chris will return to the start line to fulfil the promise he made after last year’s event. Just months after making that commitment, he suffered a stroke that resulted in the loss of sight in his left eye. Despite the challenges of his recovery, he remains determined to honour his word.

Chris will once again take on the 13.1-mile Robin Hood Half Marathon in support of Harmless and The Tomorrow Project. The CDA Group is proud to have extended its partnership with the charities for a further year, continuing its support throughout 2026.

Chris hopes to surpass last year’s fundraising total by raising at least £5,000. Once again, The CDA Group will match every pound donated, doubling the impact of every contribution and helping Harmless and The Tomorrow Project continue providing life-changing mental health support to young people and adults across Nottinghamshire and beyond.

Alongside Chris’s fundraising challenge, The CDA Group is also proud to be the official kit sponsor of Henry’s Match, Harmless’ annual charity football match, which uses the power of football to bring people together, encourage conversations around mental health and raise awareness of the support available through Harmless and The Tomorrow Project.

Chris Ward, Managing Director of The CDA Group, 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.”

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, said:

“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.”

Supporters are encouraged to get behind Chris as he aims to raise a minimum of £5,000 for Harmless and The Tomorrow Project. With The CDA Group matching every pound raised, every donation will go twice as far in supporting the charities’ vital work.

To sponsor Chris and support his fundraising challenge, visit: https://localgiving.org/fundraising/I-m-back-But-this-time-I-m-running-whilst-recovering-from-a-full-stroke

To find out more about Harmless and The Tomorrow Project, visit: https://harmless.org.uk