TWO sisters from Llanegryn have completed the Cardiff half marathon to raise money for a charity close to their heart.

Lisa Markham and Catherine Ellis were part of a 25-strong team to raise money for Awyr Las Gogledd Cymru, Cronfa Elen in memory of Elen Meirion, sister of Welsh opera singer, Rhys Meirion.

Elen Meirion, a gifted and much-loved teacher, had a freak accident at home, which killed her instantly.

“I will never forget the phone call in April 2012 telling me that we had lost such a dear friend,” said Lisa.

“It was Elen’s wish to allow her death to save others by giving her organs as a special Gift of Life to those who needed them”.

“I had two objectives in joining the team – first, to raise greater awareness of the need for donated organs and encourage discussion within families about this subject, so that many more people are inspired to make this great gift and, second, to use this dedicated fund to pay for the equipment needed to put their wishes into effect, and by funding specialist training of nurses, better facilities and all the other basic needs associated with organ donation, including research and networks to support donor families”.

Lisa and Catherine were part of a 25-strong team of runners, which included Rhys, who has been a good friend of Lisa since college days.

The team as a whole has raised over £4,500 for Cronfa Elen’s Fund, with Lisa raising over £500 herself.

Lisa and Catherine have considerable experience of marathons and half marathons. In March last year they took part in the World Half Marathon in Cardiff, the Chester Half Marathon, the Dysynni Half Marathon, the Cader Idris race, and not forgetting Race the Train.

Lisa has also run in the New York and London Marathons, and the Great North Run in Newcastle.

Their incentive to raise money for various charities was inspired by the loss of their mother to cancer on 22 September 1995.

Yoga has been enthusiastically employed to counteract the training: Lisa is convinced it is the best ‘tool kit’ to stretch the entire body. Hand-in-hand with the running it means optimum health, and it inspires everyone who does it to achieve maximum physical and emotional well-being.

She said: “I started with the London Marathon in 2000. My effort was then specifically in aid of those with bowel cancer.

“I run three times a week – Wednesday mornings for three miles. Friday mornings, again for three miles, but this time running as fast as I can. On Sundays my run is longer, working up to 13 miles. The training rule is always to keep going, regularly and to the fixed programme.”

“In January each year I also take part every day throughout the month for 30 minutes in a group challenge with friends”.

Lisa urges all those who aim to take part at this level of running to set themselves a similar programme and stick to it. “It is tough, but it works, keeps you fit, and gives you great satisfaction” she said.