Sean Thomas from Milford Haven will be taking on the gruelling Ironman Wales sporting triathlon this weekend to raise funds for the west Wales Paediatric Diabetes Service that supported his daughter.

Sean is braving the triathlon which takes place in Tenby and its surrounding areas on Sunday, September 21, with his brother, Liam, to give thanks to the Paediatric Diabetes Service for looking after his daughter, Cerys, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of two.

Sean said: “In December 2022, my daughter Cerys was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was just two years old.

“It was a traumatic and scary time, but she rose to the challenge like a champ. During our stay in hospital and afterwards, the west Wales Paediatric Diabetic Team have been absolutely incredible in the care and support they have shown Cerys and the rest of our family.

“We would love to try and raise even more funds to donate to their team so that they can continue to deliver world class care and support to other children who get diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in west Wales. Anything you can donate would be greatly appreciated, diolch yn fawr!”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “We’d like to say a huge good luck to Sean and Liam with their Ironman!

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Sean has already exceeded his £1,000 fundraising target and hopes to raise more for the fantastic service.

For more details about the charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk