Five years ago at the age of 28, Russell Williams of Cardigan suffered a fairly severe and completely unexpected heart attack while at work.

This frightening event has prompted the keen rally navigator to take part in the Cardiff Half Marathon this October. Russell, a former pupil of Cardigan Secondary School, was fit and healthy at the time he suffered the heart attack and his wife Tracy, was 20 weeks pregnant with their child.

“ This was an incredibly scary time for us both.I was in one part of the hospital and she was in another having a scan! Thankfully after having an angiogram and two stents fitted, I made a steady recovery and a few months later my daughter, Lowri appeared safe and well,” explained Russell.

He added: “It is without doubt down to the invaluable research and investigation by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), that I was able to receive such treatment and make the recovery that I have. So to find some way of supporting this critical work that has allowed me and so many others to carry on living, I've decided to run the half marathon and raise as much money as possible.”

Russell has been training since February and is getting fitter and more determined by the day.

“When I started training, it was a struggle to run half a mile, let alone a half a marathon! My goal is to complete the 13.1 miles in under two hours!” concluded Russell, a keen member of the Teifi Valley Motor Club.

To support Russell, visit his page: http://www.justgiving.com/Russell-Williams3