The Managing Director of West Midlands vending operator Coinadrink Limited has recently raised over £1000 for Cancer Research UK.

Tom Williams embraced the challenge of running a total of 56 miles throughout the month of February, to raise funds in memory of his father and Coinadrink founder Roger Williams, who sadly passed away in March last year with lung cancer.

Roger opened the doors to the West Midlands vending machine company on February 3rd, 1962. He led the firm through six decades of unprecedented success, and his death left a very big hole in the lives of everyone who knew him.

As the one-year milestone of Roger’s passing approached, Tom decided to put his passion for running to valuable use. He signed up to a popular Cancer Research fundraiser, a charity that is naturally very close to the hearts of Tom and his family.

Cancer Research UK funds the hard work that scientists, doctors, and nurses do every single day. They also represent a vital source of information to the public.

Tom’s 56-mile fundraiser was generously supported by numerous family members, friends, work colleagues, and those in the wider vending industry. With their help, Tom has donated just over £1000 in memory of his dad, a fabulous achievement.

Here, Tom talks us through his fundraiser in his own words, where he also explains just how tough the last 12 months have been for him.

“At the end of 2022 I had found myself really struggling with grief and an imposter syndrome of being MD at Coinadrink.  

I had been so used to being able to go to my Dad for advice and support and 8 months after he passed away, I suddenly felt out of my depth and very alone. Rather than talk about it I tried to carry on and push my thoughts to one side, but it really did affect me health wise and mentally.

I took a good break at Christmas to really switch off from work, spend valuable time with my family and come to terms with my grief.

Then, mid-January, I had an advert appear for Cancer Research’s Run 56 Miles in February Challenge. It came at the right time as I knew the run up to the anniversary of my Dad’s passing would be difficult for me. Having a challenge that was going to help others seemed like the perfect thing to focus my mind.

I enjoy my running, but I would describe myself very much as a fair-weather runner so getting up at 6am on a cold and dark morning to put some miles in the bank was tough!

However, by posting regular updates on my LinkedIn page, I had plenty of people holding me accountable and also donating, so I knew I couldn’t let my efforts go to waste.

I completed my last run to reach 56 miles on 3rd March, which was the anniversary date of my dad’s passing, raising £1090 + £167.25 of Gift Aid. I was shocked at the amount, donated by people far and wide with plenty of kind words and support.

I would like to thank every person who donated and those who kept in touch to see how I was doing. It meant the world to have so much support and I am just so happy that Cancer Research are getting a donation to help fund the fantastic work they do”.

Moving forward, Tom continues to lead a team of 72 employees at Coinadrink Limited after moving into the position of Managing Director last year. The business prides itself on providing a quality vending and refreshment service in and around the West Midlands.  Their daily operations are driven by long-standing values that Roger installed from day one, which prioritise a commitment to excellent customer support.