A Tenby taxi company owner has expressed gratitude to the community for helping him and his wife achieve a fundraising feat for the Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) charity - after the couple only took up running this year!

Stephen ‘scouse’ Roberts of Crow Cabs Ltd [located at the Salterns] and his wife Abby have undertaken a series of running challenges throughout the year to raise a magnificent £1,654 for the cause.

Running events the pair have taken on [both together and individually] this year, include - the Long Course Weekend, Saundersfoot Triathlon, the Cardiff Half Maraton, the Tenby Mayor’s Invitational 10K, as well as the recent 10k in the seaside town.

“First off I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has donated and supported us along this fundraising journey. Your donations will help scan so many people!” Steve shared on social media.

“12 Years ago, I went for a free health check at Dyffryn Taf School in Whitland, which was put on by The Mason family, to raise awareness after tragedy struck their family, and they lost their son, brother, husband and dad.

“During this scan, it picked up some abnormalities, which led to a 10 minute scan turning into a 2 Hour examination.”

After further examinations, Steve was referred to Morriston Hospital, where he underwent more scans and tests; and met with the consultant who explained he had something know as a ‘bi-cuspid heart valve’ which means he has two outlets on his aortic valve instead of three, something he was born with but has never been picked up before.

“Along with this, the valve itself was leaking slightly, and could be causing damage to the aortic arch and root,” continued the forty-two-year-old.

“The consultant also informed me that I also had a dilated Aorta, just to throw something else at me! I am having 12 monthly checks, and the consultant is keeping an eye on things, and eventually I will need an operation to repair and replace the things they have told me.

“Without The Mason Family, and Cardiac Risk in the Young [The Dean Mason Fund], this wouldn’t have been picked up. Even though I looked healthy and blood pressure tests were coming back normal, what’s underneath would never have been found without them, so this is our way of giving something back!

“Since this happened my weight ballooned and I kind of went into the mindset of I’d never be able to do any sport or anything like that again.

“Over the last year I’ve snapped out of that, and decided to start becoming more active again, and after my last consultation, was told I could go back to playing seven a side football, and keep active, providing I keep an eye on my heart rate - so I have and I am.

“Once again I can’t thank you all enough for your support and your donations. This money raised will help to scan at least 30 people,” added Steve.