Family’s 40-year link to vital service inspires gruelling Long Course Weekend challenge
A DETERMINED law student from Carmarthenshire is preparing to take on one of the toughest endurance challenges in Wales to raise funds for a hospital unit that has supported her family for more than four decades.
Cerys Mai Evans, from Saron, will compete in the 112-mile cycle and the Wales Marathon as part of Long Course Weekend 2026, raising money for the Diabetes Centre at Glangwili Hospital.
The popular event, held in Tenby from Friday, June 26 to Sunday, June 28, attracts more than 10,000 athletes and around 35,000 supporters from 45 countries, making it the largest multisport festival in Europe.
Cerys said her motivation comes from her family’s long-standing reliance on the centre:
“I’m raising money for the Diabetic Centre at Glangwili because they have cared for my aunty and mum for 41 years. They were both diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at six years old in 1985 and 1988. My younger sister, Lleucu, was also diagnosed at the age of 11 in 2022.”
She added:
“Unfortunately, my aunty had to undergo a below-the-knee amputation in January last year due to complications, and my mum is beginning to see the effects of the condition on her eyesight. I want to give something back so the unit can continue providing incredible care and help more people access new diabetes technologies.”
Tara Nickerson, Fundraising Manager at Hywel Dda Health Charities, praised the effort:
“We’re all incredibly inspired by Cerys’ fundraiser. She is turning her family’s experience into something that will help others in similar situations.
“The support of local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can deliver across the Hywel Dda area, and we are extremely grateful for every donation.”
Supporters can contribute to Cerys’ fundraising campaign online, with proceeds going directly towards enhancing care and support for diabetes patients across west Wales.
Further information about the charity and how to support local NHS services is available via Hywel Dda Health Charities.
