After Meleri’s husband, Dai, suddenly collapsed at home, she sprang into action, spending 25 minutes performing CPR on him while waiting for paramedics to arrive. Dai, known for his stoicism in dealing with illness, had simply mentioned feeling unwell before laying down on the living room floor, prompting Meleri’s quick thinking. Despite her efforts, Dai was pronounced dead at the hospital later that evening, leaving a profound impact on their lives.
The postmortem revealed that Dai had suffered a cardiac arrest with no prior underlying conditions. Meleri and their two-year-old daughter, Cadi Bryn, were left grappling with the sudden loss. In the five years since Dai’s passing, they have found solace in remembering him daily and navigating the emotional rollercoaster of grief together.
Seeking support from Cruse Bereavement Counselling, Meleri discovered running as a coping mechanism. Joining a local running group, she found comfort and camaraderie in the running community. This newfound passion culminated in Meleri deciding to run the 2024 Cardiff Half Marathon, a tribute to Dai’s memory as it coincided with the fifth anniversary of his passing.
Surrounded by friends and family, Meleri crossed the finish line on race day, where she was met by Cadi Bryn. Reflecting on the emotional experience, she expressed gratitude for the support that had buoyed her through the journey. Additionally, Meleri and her team of runners managed to raise over £7,000 for the British Heart Foundation Cymru, furthering their contribution towards supporting families affected by heart-related illnesses across Wales.
Acknowledging the impact of their fundraising efforts, Rhodri Thomas of BHF Cymru commended Meleri’s strength and perseverance in honouring Dai’s memory while championing a cause close to their hearts. For Meleri, every stride towards raising awareness and funds is a step towards potentially preventing others from experiencing the same heartache she endured.
In a touching tribute to her late husband, Meleri’s resilience and determination serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration, underscoring the power of community support in navigating life’s most challenging moments. Through her commitment to honouring Dai’s memory and raising awareness for heart health, Meleri exemplifies the unwavering spirit of resilience in the face of adversity.