Tecwyn raises £1,600 for NHS charity with gruelling ultra marathon
The Coleg Menai engineering technician completed the 38-mile challenge in support of his friend and colleague Daron Evans
Grŵp Llandrillo Menai staff member Tecwyn Jones completed the 38-mile Pen Llŷn Winter Ultra, raising more than £1,600 for frontline health care in North Wales.
Tecwyn took on the challenge in support of friend and colleague Daron Evans, who has been touched by the care and support received at Ysbyty Gwynedd during his treatment for bowel cancer.
The money raised will go to Ysbyty Gwynedd’s Alaw Ward and Intensive Care Unit, via NHS charity Awyr Las Gogledd Cymru (Blue Sky North Wales).
Tecwyn, a technician in the engineering department at Coleg Menai in Llangefni, has raised £1,615 so far - smashing his JustGiving target of £400.
He also achieved his aim of beating nine hours for the gruelling event, finishing in eight hours 51 minutes, with his young granddaughters Casi and Tesni running alongside him on the home straight.
Tecwyn said: “The response has been phenomenal. I’ve been totally surprised at how much money has been raised.
“Daron is a dear friend and colleague, and my son has been good friends with him for many years.
“Through both Alaw Ward and the Intensive Care unit at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Daron has experienced first-hand the incredible work of the healthcare professionals.
“Every family has had someone whose battled with cancer - it’s touched us all. Every penny helps, and by fundraising for Awyr Las Gogledd Cymru, we can contribute to providing those extra touches that make a world of difference to patients and their families.”
Tecwyn thanked everyone who had supported him, including Coleg Menai library & ICT facilitator Karen Hughes, who set up and promoted the JustGiving page.
“Karen’s been a great help, she deserves a lot of credit,” said Tecwyn.
Tecwyn, 62, only started running five years ago and has already completed several ultras (distances longer than the 26.2-mile marathon).
His latest challenge was a 38-mile circuit starting in Pwllheli, heading north to Llithfaen, then west to Morfa Nefyn and Porthdinllaen, before a trek south to Abersoch and finally back to the start.
“They’re all tough,” he said. “But they don’t call this race ‘beautifully brutal’ for nothing. The weather was fantastic, but the terrain gets very undulating and very muddy. The support from friends and family really did help get me through it.”
Tecwyn’s next challenge is the Betws y Coed Trail Half Marathon on Saturday, November 30.
To help Tecwyn raise funds for Awyr Las Gogledd Cymru, visit his JustGiving page. To learn more about Awyr Las Gogledd Cymru, click here