THE wife of a 36-year-old from New Inn who lost his battle against Lupus has signed up to the Mic Morris race in his memory and is encouraging others to take part.

On September 28 last year, Rhys Parker died from Lupus (SLE), a condition where the immune system attacks healthy cells, tissue and organs.

Since then, his widow - Emma - family members, and friends, have been raising money for two Lupus charities, Lupus UK and Hibbs Lupus Trust. They have already raised around £15,000.

But Mrs Parker also wants to raise money for other worthy causes, and has signed up to the Mic Morris 10k.

She said: “In March I did my first 12k race and said never again.

“But I have been told that the Mic Morris race is mostly downhill so I signed up to train for future races.”

Mrs Parker has also joined Pontypool District Runners to further her training in preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon and the Cardiff 10k, which she is running to raise further funds.

Previously speaking, Mrs Parker explained that Mr Parker, himself a keen sportsman, had fought heart and kidney problems as a result of Lupus since diagnosis in 2000.

On September 20 2013 he suffered a heart attack, and while ambulance crews managed to stabilise him he remained in a coma until he died.

Mrs Parker added: “Running and signing up to fundraisers in Rhys’ memory is what is keeping me going."

All donations will go towards the Mic Morris Sporting Trust, which honours policeman Mic Morris, who died while on a training jog in 1983 aged just 24.

The event on July 20 is expected to draw more than 500 runners.

Application forms are available from Cwmbran Stadium and Pontypool Active Living Centre or Christine Philpott on 01633 628936 or christine.philpott@torfaen.gov.uk