RUNNERS and walkers are being urged to join a charity event venturing to a Builth Wells landmark this week, which is all part of a local woman’s fundraising campaign for cancer research.

To mark the summer solstice (the day with the longest period of daylight and shortest night of the year), Builth & District Running Club are organising a run/walk from town up to Garth Hill and back on Thursday, June 20.

Entry is £5 and will earn you a raffle ticket – with superb prizes such as meals out and running-related gifts on offer – with all proceeds going towards Izzy Watts’ fund, raising money for the Bone Cancer Research Trust.

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

Everyone involved this Thursday will leave from The Lamb pub, walk or run to the trig point atop Garth Hill, where there will be a Prosecco or non-alcoholic pit stop, before returning to The Lamb where you can celebrate with some cake – provided by Izzy’s employers the Old Railway Line Garden Centre, in Three Cocks.

Walkers will set off from 6.15-6.30pm, with runners heading out at 7pm.

“This is open to everyone and for all my friends that don’t run this is for you also,” said Izzy.

“I promise I won’t be running and will take the time to chat to all of you as it’s been a while since I had any social meets due to my running.

“Thank you to everyone and all local businesses that have supported this event with raffle prizes – the raffle is amazing.

“Get in touch with me if you’d like a raffle number and can’t make Thursday night.”

Izzy 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 Izzy now running in his memory and continuing to collect donations – which stand at nearly £4,000.

Izzy says running in Eifion’s memory will provide her with all the motivation and energy she needs.

“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,” said Izzy, who featured on local blogger Simon ‘Jungle’ John’s most recent episode of ‘Talks at the Tavern’.

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“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.”

If you’d like to get involved on Thursday and be in with a shout of winning a fantastic prize, head down to The Lamb. Alternatively, to donate to the cause, visit Izzy’s JustGiving fundraising page at t.ly/7wUiw.