Housing officer Ffion Evans is running the Cardiff Half Marathon on 2 October to raise money for the Bronglais Chemo Appeal after her step-mum was diagnosed with cancer.

Carol Evans, 61, who has been a diabetes nurse at Bronglais Hospital for 42 years, was diagnosed with cancer of the gall bladder back in May.

Ffion, 31, who lives in Aberystwyth and works for Barcud housing association, said: “I decided to do the half-marathon as a personal challenge and then when Carol received her cancer diagnosis I decided I wanted to raise money for the appeal.

“I have been training quite hard, with 10-mile runs. It has been good for me to have time outside in the fresh air.”

Carol, who lives in Trisant, said: “I am pleased that Ffion is raising money for a new chemotherapy day unit. A lot of people will benefit as cancer touches so many people.

“After I was taken ill in May, a lot happened very quickly. Gall bladder cancer is quite rare and hard to detect. I have had great support from oncologist Dr Elin Jones and the cancer team at Bronglais Hospital. You can donate to Ffion’s fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/FfionEvans22”

Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, Nicola Llewelyn, said: “The Bronglais Chemo Appeal was launched to raise the final £500,000 needed for construction to start on a new, purpose-built chemotherapy day unit for Bronglais Hospital.

“We are delighted to report that the appeal has now passed its target. However, given the current economic climate, we predict that construction costs will increase.

“Every penny raised, including future donations, will therefore go directly to the appeal fund, with any surplus funds used to support those affected by cancer across Ceredigion and mid Wales.”

For further information on the appeal go to: www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk