A SOLVA mum has proved she has a will of iron and a heart of gold after completing Ironman Wales to raise awareness of organ donation and funds for charities and organisations that support Wolfscastle youngster, Belle Curran.

Mum of four, Lindsey-Anne Richards, completed her first Ironman in 13 hours 34 minutes and has so far raised more than £4,000 for Withybush's Puffin Ward, Noah's Ark Children's Hospital, Ty Hafan, Great Ormond Street and the Make a Wish Foundation.

These five charities all support Wolfscastle's Belle Curran, a very brave nine-year-old who is currently on the waiting list for a lung transplant, having been diagnosed with interstitial lung disease at the age of two.

This is rare condition means that Belle's lungs, rather than being spongy, are stiff, hard and scarred making breathing a huge effort.

This year Haverfordwest Ladies Circle has decided to raise money for the charities that support Belle, chosen by Belle, and other like her. In doing so they hope to raise vital funds and also start important conversations about organ donation.

Ironman took place on the last day of Organ Donation Week 2018.

"The message I wanted to get across is 'anything is possible,'" said Lindsey-Anne. "This is the Ironman moto, but I wanted people to interpret it in their own way and hopefully think about giving life to others after their own.

"It's such a sensitive subject but I just wanted people to start to think about it a little bit and talk about it.

"We are all opted in but without prior discussions, the heat of the moment conversations may not happen. But the gift of life.... it's an amazing thing to do.

"Completing the Ironman in 13 hours 34 minutes was a dream come true, and I'm just trying to help Belle find her own bit of gold. I remain positive and upbeat that a donor will be found for Belle."

"I'm just a normal person that wanted to help raise awareness for the need of organ donation to try to help Belle find some lungs and of course for the hundreds of other people that are on the transplant list.

Lindsey-Anne thanked her supporters, saying that she would not have achieved Ironman without everyone's encouragement and thanked everyone for their generous donations to her just giving page, www.gofundme.com/lindseys-ironman.

Belle's mum Stella added:

"I had the most awesome experience watching Lindsey-Anne complete Ironman 2018 , all for my little Belle and her charities and to raise the awareness of organ donation. It was so emotional and wonderful and the best atmosphere I've ever been part of - and having some very special friends watching with me made it even more amazing.

"We will be forever grateful to you for helping to spread the word and for the money you have raised will make such a huge difference to so many poorly children

"Lindsey-Anne you are such an inspiration, watching, seeing and witnessing your sheer determination training for that momentous challenge Ironman 2018 is a reflection of Belle's daily life - I am in total awe of you and Belle.

"It was a massive journey for you which you absolutely nailed - and I know when Belle has her chance to nail Her own journey she's going to hold her medal high too"