An Aberystwyth woman is to run a virtual London Marathon in memory of her father and sister and to promote organ donation.

Kirsty Griffiths, who works as a mortuary technician at Bronglais Hospital, said she wanted a challenge to help her lose weight and wanted to support the organ donation specialist team in Hywel Dda University Health Board at the same time.

“I would love the money to go towards supporting families of organ donors and the organ donation service,” she said. “My sister and father were both organ donors and I would love to raise this money in their memory.”

“My dad passed away in Glangwili Hospital and with help, guidance and support from the specialist organ donation team, we made the decision to donate his organs.

“From the very first meeting right until today, six years later, we are still supported by the team, and receive updates from any donations that continue to be made.

“Multiple people across the UK benefited from dad’s donations. His heart was donated to the Bristol Heart Bank, where tissue is stored and donated to babies and children who are born with heart defects that need repair.

"This donation continues to save lives, with a five-day-old baby girl receiving his heart valves in a lifesaving operation. “I hope to raise awareness of organ donation and the amazing work that the specialist organ donation teams do here in Hywel Dda Health Board.”

The Virgin Money London Marathon takes place on 3 October and entrants have just under 24 hours to complete the miles at a location of their choice.

You can donate to Kirsty’s challenge at www.justgiving.com/Kirsty-Griffiths14