A Bronglais Hospital staff member took on the Newport Marathon on Sunday to raise money for a new piece of equipment.

Kieran Hall (pictured), the hospital’s Endoscopy Unit manager, took on the challenge to raise hundreds of pounds for Hywel Dda Health Charities “because I’m supporting the great work our NHS provides”.

Before the race, Kieran said he was “starting to get nervous”, with 26 miles “seeming a really long way”, but added that “no matter what happens I will finish the race”.

Ahead of the race, Kieran had raised £362.98 of his total £500 target.

The cash will be used to help purchase a Coagucheck INR testing machine for Bronglais’ Endoscopy Department.

“This piece of equipment will enable on-the-day, point-of-use INR testing of patients who are taking warfarin,” Kieran said.

“This will improve access, safety and reduce delay.”

“I have been inspired by some of the great stories I have seen and read to try and raise some money for my local hospital,” he added.

“Bronglais is Britain’s smallest district general hospital, but provides excellent rural healthcare.”

The marathon will be the latest in a series of endurance events that has seen Kieran rack up 1,000 miles in training and 70 miles of racing.

In July last year, Kieran said, he ran for nine minutes “and then had to stop”.

Since those humble beginnings however, he has now completed the Swansea 10k, Cardiff Half Marathon, Llangurig to Aberystwyth Ultramarathon, the Narbeth Night Nobbler 10k and Wirral Half Marathon.

The Newport Marathon is the last event in his fundraising series.

Kieran’s fundraising page can be found at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kieran-hall2.