A popular local triathlete who has focused on fundraising for the Wales Air Ambulance since a horrific accident left her brutally injured has been left with a bittersweet taste after successfully completing the Long Course Weekend marathon on Sunday.

Mandy Draper donned full flight gear once again for the 26.2 miles of the Wales marathon on Sunday, to show her support for the Air Ambulance charity, but suffered disappointment the following day after being told that she had not been given an official time, despite being handed a medal, as she crossed the finishing line just over 49 seconds after the cut-off mark.

The Wales Air Ambulance was quickly on the scene when Mandy was involved in a near fatal accident back in October 2016, after being struck head on by a car in Hundleton whilst cycling home from work.

About three months after learning to walk again with support on the treadmill, Mandy gradually upped the mileage and began running again, then a few months later she signed up for the Birmingham marathon which she managed to complete surrounded by family and friends.

Since then Mandy has gone from strength to strength and recently completed her milestone marathon reaching her goal of 100 races, and along the way has found a place in the hearts of the community with her charitable efforts for such a good cause.

She completed the Long Course marathon course again this year in full Air Ambulance pilot kit, whilst carrying her donation collection bucket, but said after Sunday’s race that feeling ‘devastated’ was an understatement after finding out from a fellow athlete that she had been given a DNF (did not finish) categorisation from the event organisers, something she felt was ‘unfair’ considering the Team Cancer Research Wales fundraisers taking part and attempting a shot at the Guinness World Record with 122 competitors roped together, were given a finishing time despite coming 47 minutes after Mandy.

Organisers of the event Activity Wales have since overturned the decision after receiving a backlash on social media with some athletes who took part in this year’s LCW even threatening to boycott next year’s event pointing towards what they felt was the organiser’s ‘less than charitable’ attitude towards Mandy’s efforts.

Come Wednesday, race director Matthew Evans stated that he had now ‘recategorised’ Mandy’s finishing status to give her a time.

He clarified that as the other fundraisers were partaking in a world record attempt, it had been pre-cleared for them to come in after the six hour mark to ensure that them missing the cut-off wouldn’t make the record void.

“Well I can honestly say, that was the longest marathon I have ever endured, but finally after a long hard battle with Activity Wales Events I have managed to reach the finish line and finish marathon 102,” said Mandy on Wednesday.

“I would like to say a huge thank you for all those who have supported me over the last couple of days. I have been inundated with kind messages

“Pity we had to fight to get this result and such a shame they wouldn’t make a donation to my Wales Air Ambulance page by way of an apology after all the money they have made!”

Mandy’s fundraising efforts for the Air Ambulance are particularly prevalent in light of Long Course competitor Glyn Jones passing away after suffering a suspected heart attack.

Glyn was transported by Air Ambulance to Morriston Hospital during the cycling event on Saturday, and sadly passed away on Thursday.

Jonny Elston, a close and lifelong friend and speaking on behalf of the family praised the emergency services on the scene and at the hospital.

“The speed in which they dealt with Glyn was second to none and the very fact he was kept alive and transported to Morriston, allowed for four other lives to be saved through organ donations,“ he said.

Anyone wishing to donate to Mandy’s cause for the Air Ambulance can view her fundraising page via the link: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mandy-marathon-draper4waa