A BOXING coach who encouraged Newport’s youngsters to stay on the straight and narrow is the inspiration behind one woman’s decision to run the Argus-backed Newport Half Marathon.

Aimee Davies, whose grandfather was the well-known Newport boxing coach Albert Fouweather, is putting on her running shoes in his memory, after he died in December aged 86.

“I only decided to do it after my grandfather had died and have been running a few miles a day, trying to build it up,” said Mrs Davies, 34, who had not been running since having her children, aged one and three.

A bad back and a Christmas sickness bug almost stopped her in her tracks, but she battled on with training in the hope of raising money for St David’s Hospice Care, who looked after Mr Fouweather.

“I hope I get through Sunday,” she said. “My grandfather and I were really close. My sister and uncle are taking part as well and my nan Flo is really proud and supportive of us.” The half marathon on Sunday is not just a way of saying ‘thank you’ to St David’s, she said. “It’s also a way of keeping his memory alive,” said Mrs Davies.

“He was really proud of me when I used to go running, so I thought I’d do one more.”

Mr Fouweather, who lived in Maindee with his wife Flo, took over the Harlequin Boxing Club and was also known for being a trainer at Pill Labour Hall and Maindee ABC, said former Newport mayor Noel Trigg.

Gold Stars Nursery, where Mrs Davies works, is situated at mile five and nine of the run and will be open between 9am and noon on Sunday for supporters to buy refreshments in aid of St David’s Hospice Care.

To donate to the cause, visit Mrs Davies’ JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/aimee-monst

To see where you can watch the race, go to our Newport half-marathon blog on southwalesargus.co.uk To join in with our live blog on the day tweet with the #newporthalf.