THE family and friends of a Narberth sportsman have raised over £10,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust Unit in Cardiff where he was treated.

Just over a year ago, Tim Mills, now 21, was found to have acute lymphoblastic lymphoma.

The diagnosis came just weeks after he competed in his first half Ironman in Fishguard.

He spent several months at the unit, and in May began a two-and-a-half year maintenance programme.

Tim’s prognosis is now “very good”, said his mum, Alison Mills, and he is back working four days a week for Whitland Engineering.

A few months ago, Tim began training with his girlfriend, 19-year-old Rachel Thomas of Cold Blow, to get her fit for the recent Cardiff half marathon

And with a fortnight to go, he decided to enter himself.

He was a welcome addition to Tim’s Runners, organised by local postman Andrew Jenkins, and was joined by brother Sam and dad Aaron as part of the 20-strong group who completed the course.

“We are so proud of each and every one of them,” said Mrs Mills. “The runners have raised more than £1,000 for the TCT unit, and there was a phenomenal boost to our fundraising last Saturday when our masked ball at the Plas Hyfryd Hotel, Narberth brought in over £8,200.”

Raffle prizes and auction goods - including signed sporting memorabilia - were donated by local businesses and the evening was backed by the Princes Gate Trust.

“We have been overwhelmed by the tremendous support from people in Narberth and the wider community, and every penny is worth it for the Teenage Cancer Trust ward, which treats young people between the ages of 14 and 24,” said Mrs Mills. “We just cannot fault them.”