6 in 6 Challenge

Stephen Edwards (left) & Alan OwenAlan Owen, Duty Officer at Canolfan Brailsford and his friend Stephen Edwards will run Europe’s toughest marathon six times in consecutive days to raise money for Bangor cancer sufferer Irfon Williams’ #teamirfon fundraising campaign. The gruelling challenge will see them cover 157.2 miles, and a total ascent of almost 11,000ft as they pound the roads of the Snowdonia National Park in aid of Ysbyty Gwynedd’s Alaw Unit.

Alan said: “Like many other people, I’ve lost close friends to cancer and I know how important it is to support the cancer services in our local hospitals. I hope the 6 in 6 challenge can help raise awareness and help connect people with the symptoms, and get them to go for a check-up.

“I’ve completed the Snowdon Marathon three times in the past, but had never attempted anything like this before.”

So far, Alan has raised over £4,500 for the #TeamIrfon and the #HawliFyw campaigns by taking part in a number of gruelling physical challenges, including the Wales Ironman Triathlon and the London Marathon. Since being launched in May 2014, Irfon’s campaign has raised over £92,000 for Ysbyty Gwynedd’s Alaw Unit through the North Wales NHS Charity, Awyr Las.

This has funded wigs and headwear for female cancer patients, complementary therapies like therapeutic massage and aromatherapy, as well as additional training to help staff support cancer patients with depression. £14,000 from the campaign will help fund a dedicated counselling room on the Alaw Unit, which is due to undergo a major expansion later this year.

To sponsor Alan please visit www.justgiving.com/6in6teamirfon

Publication date: 7 October 2015