Colleagues at Pembroke Leisure Centre raised £1,000 for British Heart Foundation Cymru (BHF) to help beat heartbreak forever.

Jeff Davies from Pembroke decided to organise a family fundraising day after seeing a BHF Cymru video of young heart hero Llew John from Efailwen.

Llew, 12, was born with a complex cardiac condition that has required several surgeries, but he is an active, healthy boy, living life to the full thanks to research funded by BHF Cymru.

Jeff said: “I know Llew and his family and when I saw the BHF video featuring Llew I decided to approach Pembroke Leisure Centre and asked Lee Evans there if we could hold a family afternoon with children’s activities to raise vital funds for BHF Cymru. Lee was more than happy to help and it was an excellent day.”

The activities on the day included bouncy castles, soft play and exercise classes, as well as refreshment and cakes.

The BHF funds research into heart and circulatory conditions, including heart diseases, stroke and vascular dementia, along with risk factors including diabetes.

Jeff said: “We are really happy with the amount raised for BHF Cymru and I would like to thank everyone who has helped and supported this worthwhile cause. It was a great afternoon and we are so pleased to help such a worthwhile charity. Thank you to Llew and his family and friends for all their support, Lee Evans and all the work colleagues at Pembroke Leisure Centre.

Also two local ladies, Jade Rixon and Joanne Williams, who did a sponsored channel swim at Pembroke swimming pool over a period of a few weeks and donated their money to the fundraising day, and to Dragon Reptiles and Aquatics, Pembroke Dock, who came along with some wonderful reptiles and also to everyone who supported the event. ”

Jayne Lewis, BHF Cymru’s fundraising manager for South West Wales, said: “I’m grateful for all the support received on the day.

Heart and circulatory diseases kill one in four people in Wales which is devastating. BHF Cymru is funding pioneering research, to find vital treatments for people living with these conditions.

Too many lives are lost in Wales each year, and we’re determined to do everything we can to help the 340,000 people across Wales who are fighting a daily battle with heart and circulatory disease.

Thanks to the wonderful support received, BHF can continue to fund research into these conditions.”

If you would like to help BHF Cymru help beat heartbreak forever, please contact [email protected] or 01554 891 500 or go towww.bhf.org.uk