Coinadrink MD Tom Williams
Coinadrink Limited managing director Tom Williams has raised over £1,000 for Cancer Research UK, by running 56 miles throughout the month of February.
The last 12 months have been very difficult for Tom following the death of his father and Coinadrink founder, Roger Williams, who sadly passed away with lung cancer in March 2022.
Roger opened the doors to the business on February 3rd, 1962. For the next 60 years his leadership helped Coinadrink become one of the most reputable vending machine operators in the UK.
As the one-year anniversary of Roger’s death approached, Tom was keen to put his love for running to valuable use. Upon seeing an advert for Cancer Research’s 56-mile February run at the start of the year, Tom welcomed the challenge as an opportunity to distract himself and focus his mind.
Cancer Research UK both supports and funds the excellent work that scientists, doctors, and nurses do as we aim to, one day, beat cancer. Under the circumstances of the past 12 months, it is an organisation that is close to the heart of Tom and his family.
Tom’s 56-mile run throughout February was generously supported by friends, family, work colleagues, and personnel in the wider vending industry.
Here, Tom explains more about his £1000+ donation, including 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 eight 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.
It 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 £1,090 + £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, providing a quality vending and refreshment service that businesses in and around the West Midlands rely on.
Whilst the last year, in his own words, has been incredibly difficult, Tom has of course learnt from the very best. His father.
