THE leader of a dozen-strong team from New Quay who took on the The Snowdonia Challenge in memory of a tragic tot last week has paid tribute to their efforts which raised £4,785 for the Meningitis Research Foundation.

Sean Turner and his pals managed to run, trek and cycle 59 miles including climbing two mountains within a day – all in memory of his close friend’s daughter, Ava Jeremiah, who died of meningitis in April 2016.

Sean, 31, a business development manager at a 3D printing firm, said: “The challenge took us 14 hours and completely exhausted all of us mentally and physically.

“While there were no major injuries and we all completed the challenge it was the hardest thing each of us has ever done.

“I couldn’t be happier on how it all went. What an amazing team who’ve worked so hard over the last six months collecting sponsors and training - I can’t thank them enough.”

Sean had organised the challenge – which involved ascents of Snowdon and Cader Idris – in aid of the charity that had supported Ava’s mum and dad, Jamie and Zoe, through the tragedy of losing their little daughter.

“Ava had only just had her first birthday,” he said. “We live in a small community and this tragedy has touched everyone in it. It’s also made us very aware of meningitis and septicaemia.

“I hope that one day in my lifetime meningitis gets eradicated and that no other families will have to go through what Ava’s family have."

“A special thank you to to everyone who sponsored us - and to Maria, Mark, Peter and Andrew for being our awesome support team on the day.

“Also thanks to Tai Aeron Letting Services in Aberaeron.

“My thanks as well to Ava’s dad Jamie who undertook a sponsored skydive and donated every penny to this cause and, again, Steve, Charles, Andrew, Doug, Greg, Jason, Tim, Louis, Dan and Steff for everything they’ve done. Chwarae teg bois, a da iawn!”

Donations can still be made at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Sean-Turner6.