A Powys nurse is gearing up for the ultimate running challenge - the London Marathon - to raise funds for respiratory patients across the county.

Cheryl Samuel, a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Respiratory for Powys Teaching Health Board, was at Brecon Morrisons today with Bronllys Hospital colleagues Kerry Flaherty and Sian Hayward to raise awareness of COPD and the vital services the team provides.

The trio also highlighted Cheryl’s fundraising campaign for the 2026 London Marathon, which she will run in support of Powys Health Charity.

“I enjoy running, and I’ve never run a marathon before,” said Cheryl.

“The London Marathon has always been on my bucket list, and when I saw the opportunity to run while raising money for Powys Health Charity, I had to put my name forward. I’m proud to have been chosen to represent the charity.”

Cheryl, who has previously competed in the Man vs Horse race in Llanwrtyd Wells, says the marathon will be a very different challenge, but she is excited to take it on.

Funds raised through Cheryl’s marathon run will go towards gold-standard equipment for the pulmonary rehabilitation programme, which helps patients improve quality of life, increase exercise tolerance, and manage their respiratory conditions. Money will also support resources to help patients cope with breathlessness and enable self-management support groups - particularly important in Powys, where its rural geography can make connecting with others difficult.

Residents can support Cheryl’s efforts by donating via her JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/phclondonmarathon2026 or by following her journey on the Powys Health Charity website powyshealthcharity.wales and Facebook page (@powyshealth).

More fundraising events are planned for the coming weeks and months.

The TCS London Marathon 2026 takes place on Sunday, April 26, with runners from across the UK and around the world tackling the iconic 26.2-mile course.