3 days ago
Ystrad Mynach gym in 24-hour relay for Ronald McDonald House
Runners from Evolution Gym in Ystrad Mynach took part in a 24-hour relay raising funds for Ronald McDonald House.
The charity provides free home-away-from-home accommodation and support to families whilst their children are having treatment in hospital.
The 22 members taking part divided themselves into teams of four, with each person running one mile before tagging in the next one.
The event got underway at 10am on Saturday, with the final leg being run 24 hours later.
Julie and Greg Turley organised the 24-hour relay at Evolution Fitness. (Image: Tom Moody)
Organiser Julie Turley said: 'We've got a family member that's recently used the charity.
'We heard about their story and thought it was a great charity to support.
'The gym is very community based. We support a lot projects.
'A lot of people at the gym, especially through Covid, struggled with their mental health.
'This gym has been a lifesaver.
'It's almost like a safe space.
Members of Evolution Fitness took part in the 24-hour relay. (Image: Tom Moody)
'We're all going to pull each other through and support each other. We're so blessed that we're raising all this money for charity and that's what's going to keep us going.
'We've got a mix of people of all abilities who intend on walking a mile right through to some people who are going to try and set a bit of a record.'
Kezia Edwards and her son Floki came along to support the runners.
Their family, from Machen, stayed at Ronald McDonald House for between a month and six weeks when Floki was kept in the ICU in Cardiff after he was born.
Kezia Edwards and her son Floki came to support the runners. (Image: Tom Moody)
'That we were staying close was such a godsend,' Ms Edwards said. 'We were able to be right next to his incubator.
'It was like a home away from home.
'It's a massive stress relief that we didn't have to leave him. Even just the thought of going home every day without our baby. It was supposed to be the happiest time of our lives.
'Without those rooms being sponsored, we would have potentially had to go home to an empty house without our baby for six weeks.'
The first runners set off on the opening leg of the 24-hour relay. (Image: Tom Moody)
'I know people who have used the charity so for me and for them it was an important thing to support,' said Jason Jones.
'We're always doing fun events like this. We make them fun too, and raise money for a good cause.'
'We try and do something every year,' said Paul Jessop.
'Believe it or not, we're doing a class afterwards on Sunday!'
After completing their challenge, the group has raised more than £3,000.
You can find out more, or donate if you are able to, at
