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Rhymney Valley Athletics Club has marked its return from the Covid pandemic with a charity fundraising day, raising more than £750.

The money was raised for St David’s Hospice, a charity close to the hearts of everyone involved with the club.

The fundraising was held in memory of an instrumental fundraiser and supporter – Lyn Cushing – who passed away in March 2020.

Lyn, who helped relaunch Rhymney Valley Athletics Club (RVAC), was cared for by St David’s before she died.

The fundraising event was held at the new Athletics Hub at Rhiw Syr Dafydd Primary School in Oakdale, where RVAC will be based.

During the event, held on Saturday, March 26, around 80 people took part in activities including track and field events and relays, as well as a sponsored walk and run.

Lyn’s daughter, Claire Seaborne, who is a coach at the club and helped organise the event, said: “It was lovely to see so many of the club’s athletes, coaches, volunteers and parents come together to officially launch the track.

“Mam would have loved seeing all her hard work lobbying local councillors, Welsh Assembly and Sport Wales members to acquire an all-weather athletics track for the club members and the community pay off.

“Mam was certainly looking down with pride as the day unfolded, with fun athletics events for all athletes to try, showcasing the wonderful facility and events on offer, from long jump, high jump, discus, javelin, shot, sprinting and relays, all delivered by our amazing coaches and volunteers.”

Taking part in the fun day were members of the club’s Couch to 5k group, Happy Soles, which was set up in November last year.

Ruth Powell, Chair of RVAC, said: “The C25k group was set up as we felt it was a safe environment for ladies to run. Due to the success and clear demand for it we decided to open it to men as well.

“They’ve enhanced our community club and brought great enthusiasm.”

Happy Soles has around 100 female members, with 30 men joining in January.

Sport Caerphilly, which is run by the council, provided funding for nine weeks free access to the programme, as well as free water bottles, bags and t-shirts for members.

Claire said Happy Soles “has really given the ladies a sense of purpose and belonging, with positive outcomes to their mental health and wellbeing.”.

Happy Soles member Louise Keeling said: “‘For someone who has always found being part of a gym or exercise group quite intimidating, being part of this C25K group has really been quite life-changing for me.

“It has been so motivating, supportive and welcoming. I have seen lots of changes in my fitness, confidence and self-esteem and I hope to continue to enjoy being part of this lovely team.”