A team of 24 have taken on the ABP Newport Half Marathon in memory of a father-of-two who tragically died while out jogging.
Newport man Jake Powell, 30, was out training for the race in Kenilworth in November 2025 when he was involved in a collision.
He was planning to raise money for CLAPA (Cleft Lip and Palate Action) as they had done so much to help his three-year-old son Arthur.
Now, in his memory, a team of 24 made up of Jake’s friends and family picked up his challenge to support the charity.
One of those was Jake’s brother-in-law, Jason Baker.
Jason, 34, who works as a Risk Manager at Admiral, said: “My wife’s brother, Jake, was killed when he was involved in a collision while out jogging last November. He’d recently got into running with his wife Elly and was doing lots of fundraising for CLAPA who’d supported their family when their youngest son Arthur was born with a Cleft Palate. He’d signed up to run the half marathon on 19th April.
“As soon as I heard about the accident we travelled up to Kenilworth. His death hit the family really hard. Elly said she wasn’t sure if she’d be able to do any more running, but Jake’s sister Abi and I said we’d do it with her.”
Neither Jason nor Abi were runners, but they were determined to raise money for CLAPA on Jake’s behalf and within a week had signed up to the event.
Jason said: “The most I had run was a 10K in 2016 but the training went well. We’re now a team of 24 raising money for CLAPA in Jake’s memory and have so far managed to reach over £10,000. We’re all a wide mix of running abilities, some of us were after PBs while others just wanted to get round, but we made sure to all meet up after the race to celebrate.”
He added: “Jake was a very happy and positive person. He’d always go out of his way to help anyone. The fact that so many people have been moved to support shows what an amazing person he was. He really wanted to give back to the charity that had supported his family so much.”
Jake’s, three-year-old son Arthur was born with Pierre Roobin Syndrome, which included a large cleft palate, and needed multiple operations to help with his feeding.
Jason said: “Feeding was quite a challenge for Arthur when he was younger but he’s doing really well now. The condition meant he also has hearing difficulties but since the operations and having hearing aids he’s doing so much better – his speech is coming on in leaps and bounds.”
CLAPA aims to be there for people affected by cleft from the moment of diagnosis, right through treatment and beyond. Money raised for the charity makes a huge difference – £50 could pay for a welcome pack of special bottles and teats for a new family, £90 can help an adult or parent in need to have counselling sessions, £315 pays for the delivery of a baby sign course for new parents to improve communication with their babies and £675 helps a young person affected by cleft to attend a confidence building camp CLAPA event.
Louise Dutton, Community Fundraising Manager at CLAPA, said: “We’re deeply honoured that Jake’s family and friends have chosen to support CLAPA in his memory. What they have created in Newport and beyond is truly extraordinary. The scale of support – from family, friends, workplaces, nurseries, and local sports clubs – speaks volumes about the kind of person Jake was and the impact he had on those around him.
“At CLAPA, we support families from the moment of diagnosis, through surgery and beyond, providing trusted information, emotional support, and opportunities to connect with others who understand the challenges of cleft lip and palate. For many families, that early support can make an overwhelming and uncertain time feel more manageable – something Jake and Elly experienced first-hand.
“The funds being raised in Jake’s memory will help us continue to be there for families when they need us most-whether that’s through our parent support services, resources, or community networks.
“We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Jake’s family, the runners taking part in the Newport Half Marathon, and everyone who has donated or supported these efforts. Their generosity, especially at such a difficult time, is incredibly moving and will have a lasting impact on families across the UK.”
Matt Newman, Chief Executive at event organisers Run 4 Wales, added: “It’s incredibly moving to see a group come together in this way to honour the memory of someone so special to them. To have 24 people taking on the ABP Newport Half Marathon as a team is a powerful tribute, and a reflection of the impact Jake had on those around him.
“Running in Jake’s memory, while raising vital funds for CLAPA, shows just how supportive and resilient the running community can be. We’re honoured to have Jason, Abi, Elly and the rest of the group be part of this year’s event.”