The first Builth Wells Charity Aquathlon has raised £4,284 for Cancer Research UK.

The event took place on Sunday, August 11 and proved a great success. In total, 77 people registered to take part, ranging from ages 19 to 74.

The event comprised of a 400m pool swim, followed by a 3km run around The Groe.

Cllr Gwyn Davies, Mayor of Builth Wells, came to start the event at the side of the pool and then presented the awards after competitors crossed the finish line in The Groe.

Event organisers, Helen Tuite and Adam Johnstone said the amount raised was double what they had envisaged.

Adam said: "We're delighted that this event has not only raised so much money for such a great cause, but that the majority of those who took part were first-timers to a multi-discipline event.

“They were, understandably, a bit nervous, but when they crossed the finish line they were buzzing with excitement, and said they couldn't wait to take part in another one.

“We've heard a lot of stories about how it has kick-started some of them into running and swimming, which was one of our aims."

One of the competitors, Karen Lynch, personally raised more than £1,500 and said: "I wanted to take part as I've never done anything like this before and because it's a cause very close to my heart."

Helen said: "In addition to Karen, we'd like to thank all those who took part and the volunteers who helped on the day, the staff at Builth Wells Swimming Pool for letting us use their venue and our headline sponsor, Paul Watkins, AKA Gino's Ice Creams.  We'd also like to thank all the local organisations, groups and individuals who supported the event, in particular our corporate sponsors and those who donated raffle prizes."

The other sponsors of the event were Preserved Timber Products, Jewson, The Fountain Inn, Smithfield Tractors, Williams Building Contractors, Builth Wells Financial Planning, Hay & Brecon Farmers and the Co-op.

Helen added: "Because it was such a success, we're hoping this will be an annual event and put Builth Wells on the map for aquathlons. We're in the process of putting together a small team of people to help organise the next one.”

If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Helen on 07941 416303 or [email protected] or you can check for updates on facebook.com/groups/builthwellsaquathlon