A HARDWORKING fund-raiser has posted a memorable time at this year’s Great Manchester Run, collecting hundreds of pounds in donations as he did so.

Mark Edwards, of Tywyn, suffers from Phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic condition that is congenital.

People with PKU can’t break down the amino acid phenylalanine, which then builds up in the blood and brain. This can lead to brain damage.

Only one in 10,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with PKU, and maintaining the necessary low-protein diet can be a “huge challenge”.

The 33-year-old, who works for Brighter Foods, took part in the Great Manchester Run 2017 last month for NSPKU, a charity devoted to raising awareness and funding research into the condition.

Mark raised £717 in donations after he completed the 10km race in one hour, one minute and one second.

An elated Mark told the Cambrian News: “I beat last year’s time!

“It was a good run as always, the crowds came out shouting your name encouraging you to keep going.

“Despite the attack which happened here recently everyone is in good spirits, loads of singing and dancing going on, showing that nothing will keep them down!

“I come here every six months for clinic appointments, Manchester is like a second home for me.

“Showing courage in themselves is the reason why I love Manchester, you don’t get the same feeling in any other city.

“It was a great day, thanks to everyone for their sponsorship.”

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