Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

A Pontllanfraith dad will be running this London Marathon this weekend in memory of his late son.

James Meacham is one of ten people running on Sunday April 26 to raise money for Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice.

James and his family have been supported by the charity since early 2018, when his young son, Thomas, was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition.

“Our son Thomas was fit and well until the age of nine, until he started showing signs which were out of character for him,” explained James.

“He was diagnosed in January 2018 with a very rare, genetic brain condition called adrenoleukodystrophy. It’s so rare, hardly anyone has heard of it so I describe it as watching a child have motor neurone disease and Alzheimer’s – it’s as awful and cruel as it sounds.  

James continued: “Tŷ Hafan were there in the hospital not long after diagnosis and supported us throughout Thomas’ illness until he died in June 2019.  

“The care, compassion, respite stays, medical support we received was incredible and I don’t know how we’d have coped without them. They support us even now with counselling and outreach services.”

Discussing his marathon run, James said: “I’ve always fancied doing the London Marathon but I’ve been inspired by my fellow dad, Chris Thomas, who did it last year and loved it.

“I’ve done two half marathons and a trail half marathon in the past, and the last two North to South Wales challenges with a group of Tŷ Hafan dads. I’ve also done four Tŷ Hafan Ride to the Rugby events, cycling from Cardiff to Paris and Cardiff to Dublin.”

He added: “Training for the London Marathon has been hard but nothing compared to what the children and families of Tŷ Hafan go through.

“Apart from completing the marathon and raising essential funds, I’m hoping to spread the word about Tŷ Hafan by telling as many people on the day as I can about this amazing place.” 

Tŷ Hafan’s head of fundraising, James Davies-Hale, said the charity is “immensely grateful” to James for his fundraising efforts, and said: “Seeing James proudly wearing our logo for over 26 miles around London, along with all our London Marathon runners, will mean so much to us.  

“By sharing why they’re taking on this immense challenge and raising vital funds, they’re making a real difference for the children and families we care for.”

He added: “No family should have to live their child’s short life alone, and thanks to James and his fellow Tŷ Hafan London Marathon 2026 runners, Tŷ Hafan can walk alongside more families like James’ family, through their child’s life, death and beyond.”