A BRITHDIR woman has raised over £1,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association by completing the Brighton Marathon.

Actress Andrea Edwards, 51, was inspired to take part in the marathon by a family friend who has Motor Neurone Disease.

Known for her work in theatre and on television, actress Andrea trained hard for the marathon, which took place last month.

She was joined by her sister-in-law, Sarah Merrit from Southampton.

Speaking before the event, Andrea told the Cambrian News why she wanted to take part. She said: “I am doing it for our dear family friend, Angie Muir. Angie is a wonderful caring person and the epitome of kindness and love. She has always been full of life and laughter.

“She survived cancer but she has now developed MND after losing both her brother and father to this cruel illness.”

Sadly, Angie passed away on 9 September, three days before the Brighton Marathon.

Andrea was even more determined to complete the race and raise money for MND. Together with Sarah she did just that, raising £1,060 along the way.

Looking back on their marathon effort, Andrea said: “It was hot and the wheels came off a bit at 18 miles, but the people of Brighton got us round the last eight with their amazing encouragement!

“At the end we both said never again, but I seem to be eyeing up new adventures already, especially since we found out that the course had been measured wrong and we’d actually done over 26 miles!”

The organisers of Brighton Marathon had to apologise to runners after it emerged the course was 568m too long.

Despite the extra distance, Andrea said it was worth the effort.

“It was a privilege to run on behalf of Angie and MND and I’m proud to say that we raised our target amount,” she said.

“Thank you so much for donations.”

She added: “There is still a chance to give via the JustGiving link. This money will definitely help someone who is struggling with this awful disease.”

Andrea is well-known for theatre work in Aberystwyth and Machynlleth, and for numerous TV appearances.

Most recently she was in Emmerdale as Doctor Bellsby. This is the third time Andrea has appeared in the soap, playing different characters each time. Last year she filmed the ITV drama Too Close, with Emily Watson, and she has just made a short film, locally, called Anniversary.