A POWYS couple are organising a series of fundraising events ahead of the London Marathon, in which one of them is running to raise awareness of the condition the other suffers from.

Emma Coates, from Rhayader, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at just eight weeks old, at a time when the average life expectancy for a person with Cystic Fibrosis was only 30.

Emma is now 35 and has, for the most part, lived a healthy life, largely because of huge advances in medicine and treatments thanks to research the Cystic Fibrosis Trust has supported since it was founded in 1964.

Emma’s boyfriend Phil Pugh, a Rhayader Running Club and Maldwyn Harrier member, will be taking on this year's London Marathon in an effort to raise much-needed funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Trefeglwys resident Phil, 36, who has already raised £2,547, said: “Emma shows more resilience and bravery than anyone else I’ve ever met and I’m proud to be supporting this wonderful charity to help her, as well as the 10,800 other people just like her in the UK.”

County Times: Phil Pugh is a member of Maldwyn Harriers.Phil Pugh is a member of Maldwyn Harriers. (Image: None)

Emma, who works for community group The Arches - Rhayader & District Community Support, added: “Cystic Fibrosis has affected our communities for many years – not just myself.

“I have done a lot of fundraising over the years, from fashion shows and cake stalls, to bring and buy sales and abseiling from the roof of both the Millennium Stadium and Old Trafford.

“I've even taken on the odd short-distance fun run with friends when I was younger but thought I'd leave the long-distance running to Phil, so I'm planning to be standing at the finish line cheerleading instead."

Phil has been running for several years, and while this will be his third marathon, he will tackle the London event for the first time on Sunday, April 23.

As well as obtaining sponsorship, the couple have planned eight separate events across Powys in March and April.

OTHER NEWS:

They begin with a clairvoyant evening tonight (Monday, March 13) at 7pm at Cwmdauddwr School, Rhayader, with psychic medium Cerris Hulse. Entry is £10 on the door only.

A quiz and music bingo night will be held at Llanidloes Rugby Club on Thursday, March 16 from 7.30pm, costing £5 per person.

A bingo night will be held at Llanidloes Rugby Club, on Wednesday, March 29, then a different quiz and music bingo night at the Crown Inn, Rhayader, on Thursday, March 30.

On Saturday, April 1, they host a cake stall at The Arches, on West Street, Rhayader, from 10am-12pm. On Monday, April 3, Rory Evans will be delighting the residents of Llanidloes and surrounding areas with a night of ghost stories (7.30pm at Llanidloes Rugby Club, £6 entry fee).

On Thursday, April 6, there is a pie and pudding night with entertainment from Dai Robs at the Waggon and Horses, Newtown (£25 per person, pre-booking only), and finally they will host another bingo event at Cwmdauddwr School on Wednesday, April 19.

To support Phil visit https://2023tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/phillip-pugh.