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A community has come together to raise more than £11,000 and counting in memory of family and friends lost in 2021.

A 24-hour fundraising challenge was held at Machen Rugby Club between Saturday, September 18 and Sunday, September 19 in memory of Machen residents Robin Bignell, who passed away aged 57 after suffering a cardiac arrest, and Becky Littlewood, who died aged 45 with cancer.

The money raised will be donated to both the British Heart Foundation and Velindre Cancer Centre.

The challenge saw participants attempt to walk, run or scoot 2km every two hours in the space of a 24-hour period.

It was organised by Robin’s 23-year-old daughter Sophie Bignell, alongside family and friends.

Sophie said: “We had roughly 130 people take part in our run, whether that was walking one lap or running the full distance. There was five of us who managed to complete the whole 24 hours. It was tough but so worth it.

“It’s amazing what a small community can achieve.”

She added: “We had three bands perform over the weekend and raffled over 70 prizes. Our giving page closes at the end of the month.”

Machen Rugby Club chairman Paul Crowley said: “We were all devastated with the loss of Robin Bignell and Becky Littlewood. Both huge characters within our lives and within our club. We think it is only fitting to give something back in memory of them.”

Jayne Lewis, fundraising manager for British Heart Foundation Cymru, said: “We are very grateful to Robin and Becky’s family and friends, and the entire community of Machen for organising this inspirational challenge at this very difficult time, supporting two very important causes.

“We always appreciate the efforts of anyone who chooses to fundraise in support of our life-saving research, but when an event is in memory of a loved one they have lost, it carries an extra significance to us all.

“We would like to thank everyone who supported or took part in this event. A special mention to the chairman and officers at Machen Rugby Club who supported the event and made donations on behalf of the club of £500 to each of the charities – £1,000 in total.”

According to estimates by the British Heart Foundation, 19,000 people in Caerphilly County Borough – which has a population of around 181,000 – are affected by heart and circulatory diseases.

The charity has helped fund 30 heart defibrillators across the borough, as well as 16 free CPR kits to schools and community groups.

To make a donation to the fundraiser, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SophieBignell3