A TEAM of people remained undeterred by the cancellation of the Newport Half Marathon and later completed the distance in memory of their late mother.

Caitlin Reardon, who lives in Llanfrechfa, wanted to take on the Newport Half Marathon with family and friends.

They managed to raise more than £15,000 in just four months, in memory of their mother, Trish Reardon, who was cared for by St David's Hospice Care.

She died on Christmas Eve last year.

Ms Reardon said: “Mum passed away after a short illness. She was looked after so wonderfully by St David’s Hospice Care that we wanted to raise money as a big thank you to the charity.

“I initially set a target of £5,000 but in the space of just four months we managed to triple that target raising £15, 858 through a variety of fund raising efforts."

She added: “We had signed up to take part in the Newport Half Marathon."

But the Newport Half Marathon was cancelled in March following heavy snow.

Despite this, the family remained determined to complete the 13.1 mile challenge.

The Welsh Government communications manager added: “We were devastated when the Newport Half Marathon was cancelled for the second time as we had received a large sum of money through sponsorship for the event, so we decided to run the 13.1 miles ourselves as we had trained for it.

"We did not want to let anyone down. I honestly could not be prouder of every member of Team Trish - they have worked so hard fundraising over the last four months and we’re astounded by the grand total we’ve achieved.

"I could not ask for a more thoughtful family and friends who have pulled together to fundraise in memory of my mum. We have been overwhelmed by the wonderful support and generous donations that we have received from family, friends, the community and welsh businesses it really is for such a good cause."

Skye Lewis, of Newport-based St David’s Hospice Care, said: “The fantastic amount of money raised by Team Trish in memory on Trish Reardon through a variety of means including a self staging of the Newport Half Marathon is truly astounding and humbling.

"Team Trish’s achievement is a wonderful tribute to a much loved mum.”

Team Trish had arranged a variety of different fundraising activities including bag packing in Tesco, Spytty Retail Park, a bucket collection at Pontypool Rugby Club, a raffle, several cake and sweet sales, and a bake off.

The Luke Doherty Band a classic blues and rock band donated all of the proceeds from a recent album launch concert.