THIS week a woman from Abergavenny will host the first Christmas run at a Vale of Glamorgan hospital.

Beth Clarke (nee Morgan), 34, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) at 20 months old, and spends time at the Llandough Hospital’s All Wales Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre which provides care and support for those living with this life- long disease.

Along with her parents Michelle and John Morgan, from Abergavenny, husband Lyndon Clarke, and friends, Jackie Strawbridge, Ceri-Anne Wilkins and Hayley Mills, they have now raised £10,000.

Mrs Clarke said: "The centre is vital as there is a dedicated specialised CF care team of doctors and nurses, a specialist gym, and physiotherapists are on hand.

"But if there is no room then patients can end up being moved to different wards which lack the specialist CF facilities or wait at home until one becomes available. Extra beds would avoid this happening."

Despite reaching their target through a range of fundraising activities, they hope to end the year on a high by hosting a Christmas Fun Run at Llandough Hospital on December 20.

They have been collecting funds under the name Bertha’s Army, and the money will go to the Better Life Appeal which supports the centre.

The hospital provides the only adult cystic fibrosis centre in Wales caring for more than 250 patients.

The money collected by Mrs Clarke will go towards the Better Life Appeal, which in turn aims to raise £1.3 million to equip a wing with an extra eight beds at the hospital, so every penny raised counts.

At the Christmas Fun Run there will be a 5km distance, costing £5, and a 1km for families costing £3 per individual and £5 per family.

Registration at the hospital will be at 10am and participants will be able to browse stalls and meet Santa.

Fancy dress is optional. There will be prizes for winners and best fancy dress.

For more information on the event email betterlifefunrun@gmail.com

For more information about the fundraising team visit facebook.com/berthasarmy or follow @berthasarmy on twitter.

To donate to their cause, visit justgiving.com/berthasarmy