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Rob Jones / Poppy's Challenge

Cerebra Ambassador and Finance Officer for Welsh children’s hospice, Ty Hafan

Rob is married to Rachel and they have 5 children, their youngest, Poppy, has quadraplegic cerebral palsy. In 2016, Poppy and Rob embarked on a challenge with the Cerebra Innovation Centre in Swansea College of Art to complete a triathlon. Poppy is an intelligent and fun 11 year old, who has severe spasticity and dystonia, and is unable to stand, sit, roll or use her limbs independently. Rob is nearly 50 and had lost interest in exercise, favouring the comfort of the sofa.

In June 2016, Poppy and Rob took part in and completed the Cardiff Triathlon together to raise money and awareness for Cerebra using custom made equipment specially designed by Cerebra Innovation Centre. To date, Rob and Poppy have raised over £10,000 for Cerebra and have plans to take part in many more events.

Having a life-limiting condition hasn’t stopped Poppy having fun. Poppy is a determined character with a great sense of humour. Her sense of adventure knows no bounds. She is a real thrill seeker and adrenaline junkie and has a true competitive spirit.

Rob’s day job is Chief Finance Officer for the charity Ty Hafan and Poppy attends a specialist school, called Treloar’s.

Rob will talk about the psychological and physical benefits both he and Poppy gained engaging in the challenge of the triathlon and long distance running events , and how design and innovation enabled their success.