AN Amman Valley mum helped to repay a Welsh charity for their efforts to save her baby cousin by running the London Marathon.
Rhiannon Jones, 41 and originally from Brynamman, took on the 26.2mile event in memory of her baby cousin and to raise money for the Wales Air Ambulance.
In June 2018, the air ambulance was called to her cousin Sioned Jones’ house in Gorslas for her four-month-old son Steffan Morris.
Sadly, for the family, the emergency services were unable to save Steffan and he died from cot death.
Ms Jones, a design manager who now lives in Leicester with 10-year-old daughter Madison, bought herself a treadmill and tried to fit in training between work and raising her daughter. She had planned to take on the mammoth task of the marathon two years ago, but covid and injury delayed her being able to take part until this last month.
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During her training for the marathon, the Wales Air Ambulance was called out for another member of her family – after nephew Ieuan had a cycling accident in August.
The medics attended and he suffered a broken collarbone, ribs and toes.
Ms Jones said: “If my nephew wasn’t wearing a helmet, he would have probably passed away as part of his helmet was completely smashed. He is lucky to be here. Ieuan is now on the mend, it could have been a lot different.
“The Wales Air Ambulance is very close to my family’s hearts. My cousin Sioned also volunteers for the charity since the loss of baby Steffan. Both Sioned and Ieuan’s stories are two of thousands that are touched by the good work that the charity does.
“I’ve had the great honour to talk and meet the great people from the Wales Air Ambulance and find out about the great work that they do. I am amazed at what they do each day. They are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. They do not stop and if I can raise enough money to fund one mission to help someone in need like Sioned and Ieuan, then I will be happy knowing I have done my little bit.”
When time came for the London Marathon, Ms Jones’ family made the journey to the capital to support her. She finished the 26-2miles in six hours and 42 minutes.
“I am not a runner and training for the marathon was difficult as I am a single mum and don’t have much childcare,” said the mum-of-one who would spend three to four hours training at a time on the treadmill. “I had to train when my daughter was in after-school clubs and Brownies and relied on friends to look after her as my family are all in Wales.”
“Running on a treadmill is different from running outside. I did the small distances outside and then the long runs I had to do on my treadmill in the house, which was very long and boring. My aim was to finish the race and soak up the atmosphere, without worrying about my finish time.”
Ms Jones continued: “The memories will be with me forever, it’s always good to have a challenge. The most important part for me was to enjoy it and raise money for the Wales Air Ambulance.”
Ms Jones raised £1,385.35 including Gift Aid.
Debra Sima, community fundraiser for Wales Air Ambulance, said: “Rhiannon has seen for herself the tremendous work the Charity does. We all hope that we will never require the Wales Air Ambulance but, unfortunately, Rhiannon’s family needed the Charity on two separate occasions.
“We are very sad to hear about the passing of her cousin’s baby at just four months old and our thoughts are with the family. We extend our love to Rhiannon’s nephew Ieuan and wish him a speedy recovery.
“Rhiannon should be very proud of herself for completing the London Marathon. We wish her the warmest of thanks for her tremendous fundraising.”
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