A POWYS woman running a 100-mile ultra marathon this month to raise money for a teenager with cancer will now be running it in his memory after he died last month.

Izzy Watts is taking on the Epona 100 on June 22, a 100-mile race that takes in the stunning sights of the Brecon Beacons, Cambrian Mountains and Offa’s Dyke.

Izzy, 46, has been raising money from the outset for a friend and work colleague’s 14-year-old grandson, who had been battling Ewing sarcoma – a cancer that affects bone or soft tissue and is mainly discovered in children and young adults. Sadly, Eifion Price lost his battle on May 19.

With a gruelling task ahead of her already, Eifion’s death is sure to weigh heavy on Izzy’s mind too, but she says running in the teen’s memory will provide her with all the motivation and energy she needs.

“Eifion, who inspired me to run the Epona 100-mile race in aid of Ewing sarcoma, sadly passed away at home yesterday surrounded by his family,” Izzy, from Builth Wells, said in an emotional Facebook post on May 20.

OTHER NEWS:

“It’s absolutely heartbreaking. The pain of losing a child is indescribable and my heart goes out to Eifion’s mum, dad, brothers and sisters during this incredibly difficult time.

“Nothing will inspire me more to continue on with my 100-mile attempt and raise as much money as I can for the Bone Cancer Research Trust.

“This was my story but I will be now running in Eifion’s memory to raise as much funds for Ewing sarcoma as I can.”

Izzy, who works with Eifion’s grandmother at the Old Railway Line Garden Centre in Three Cocks, added: “I am raising money to support further research to improve the treatment of Ewings.

“Ewing sarcoma mostly happens in children and young adults, although it can happen at any age.

“So, what better encouragement do I need to run 100 miles in one go by taking on the Epona race.

“This charity is very much in need of funding so please donate what you can and I promise I will try my best.”

County Times: Izzy competing at the Off The Tarmac Brecon Beacons marathon in May. Izzy competing at the Off The Tarmac Brecon Beacons marathon in May. (Image: Izzy Watts)

The task facing Izzy is gargantuan – the Epona is a mental and physical roller coaster that will include climbing 23 mountains across Powys, with a total ascent of 17,000 feet.

She will tackle the peaks of Sugar Loaf, Skirrid Fawr, The Blorenge, Gilwern Hill, Blaen Onneu, Mynydd Llangynidr, Pant y Creigiau, Bryn Melyn, Tor y Foel, Table Mountain, Pen Cerrig Calch, Pen Allt Mawr, Pen Tywn Glas, Mynydd Llysiau, Pen Trumau, Waun Fach, Pen Y Gadair Fawr, Rhos Dirion, Twmpa, Hay Bluff, Twyn Llech, the Black Mountain and the Sugar Loaf for a second time.

Izzy is no stranger to running challenges. She is an active member of Builth and District Running Club (BADRC) and has previously taken on some monumental events.

Throughout 2023 she completed six ultra marathons – three 30 miles in length, two 40-milers and an arduous 50-miler – as part of the Pegasus Grand Slam. It earned her, and clubmate Craig Bufton, BADRC’S ‘Outstanding Achievement’ honour at this year’s awards evening.

Having wanted to stretch herself to her limit with long distance events over the last few years, the Epona 100 is likely to be the toughest yet, but she has all the motivation she needs.

To donate to her cause, visit Izzy’s JustGiving fundraising page at t.ly/7wUiw.