Family tragedy inspired marathon effort
A CARMARTHENSHIRE mum has taken part in the London Marathon in memory of her cousin’s baby who tragically died from cot death, aged just four months old.
Rhiannon Jones, 41, took part in the 26.2-mile event as she wanted to donate to the Wales Air Ambulance that was called to the Gorslas house of her cousin, Sioned Jones, in June 2018.
Unfortunately, despite the efforts of the Wales Air Ambulance and the emergency services, baby Steffan Morris passed away.
Rhiannon, who is originally from Brynamman near Ammanford, but now lives in Leicester with her 10-year-old daughter Madison, managed to win a place in the London Marathon ballot after years of trying.
The design manager bought herself a treadmill and in between juggling work and being a single mum, she would run at home often for three to four hours at a time.
While training for the marathon, her family required the Wales Air Ambulance for a second time when Rhiannon’s nephew Ieuan had an accident in August while cycling.
The air ambulance medics attended the scene and he was fortunate only to suffer a broken collar bone and broken ribs and toes.
Rhiannon 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 and 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.”
She added: “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.”
The mum-of-one said the support she received for the London Marathon had been fantastic with her family all making the journey from Carmarthenshire to the capital to support her.
Rhiannon completed the marathon in 6 hours 42 minutes and said the atmosphere along the route was incredible.
She said: “I am not a runner and training for the marathon was difficult as I am a single mum and don’t have much childcare.” Rhiannon managed to raise £1,385.35, including Gift Aid, for the Wales Air Ambulance.
Wales Air Ambulance relies on charitable donations to raise £8 million each year to keep the helicopters flying in Wales.
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.”