TAKE ON THE BEAST TO BEAT CYSTIC FIBROSIS

BEAST OF BRYN – ONCE RUN, NEVER FORGOTTEN

The village of Bryn in Port Talbot will be helping to beat cystic fibrosis on Saturday 30 May 2015 by holding the Beast of Bryn Endurance Run.

This is the fifth year that Sean Tobin and Graham Rowland have organised this challenging race in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. This year is going to be bigger and better with all day entertainment such as a funfair, food stalls and bands playing into the evening. It really will be a whole family fun-packed event!

Sean’s son Joe, 14, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at five weeks old using the heel prick test. Joe’s diagnosis came as a complete shock as no one else in the family has cystic fibrosis. Anna Tobin, Joe’s mother says: “It was a complete shock and nothing prepares you for it. I knew there was something wrong and had taken him to the doctor three times before we received his diagnosis.

“We can’t deny how challenging this diagnosis has been for us but Joe continues to amaze and inspire us with his zest for life. Growing up in a family of runners, he naturally runs to keep fit along with cycling and boxing.”

Most people don’t understand what cystic fibrosis is, or what it does, until someone close to them is affected by it. They soon discover it’s a life-shortening genetic condition – only half live to celebrate their 40th birthday. It causes the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, to become clogged with thick sticky mucus, resulting in chronic infections and inflammation of the lungs.

There is still time to sign up for the Beast of Bryn and there are three runs to choose from: a 2k fun run, a 6.8 mile run and an extremely challenging 15 miler. Both 6.8 and 15 mile runs are very challenging and take place along the mountains of Margam and the Afan Valley – both runs take in some of the most breath-taking scenery in the country. You will run along routes that international runners use for endurance training prior to a major competition.

You can register for the races at http://www.bwystfilybryn.btck.co.uk/BwstfilyBrynRegistration.

Cystic Fibrosis Trust Event Co-ordinator Holly Matthews says: “The Beast of Bryn is a fantastic event for everyone to take part in and they can have a great day whilst raising vital funds for the Trust. We are incredibly grateful to Anna and Sean, and their friends and family for organising this amazing event. Money raised by the runners will enable the Cystic Fibrosis Trust to invest in cutting-edge research to develop better treatments. It will also provide support to those with cystic fibrosis and their families and help the Trust to drive up standards in medical care.”