By Tom Degun

February 13  - Villagers from Clunderwen in Pembrokeshire have staged an 18-hour fun run over a total of 107 miles on the 107th birthday of their eldest resident Bessie Phillips in order to raise money for her great-great nephew Jacob Thomas (pictured) as he looks to compete in the London 2012 Paralympic Games. 

More than 100 people took it in turns from midnight to run, walk or roll pushchairs or wheelchairs the mile between her house and local chapel.

The fun run started just after midnight yesterday morning and finished at 6:00pm the same day when 107 people, ranging from the youngest toddlers in the village to residents in their 80s, had each covered the distance.

Huw George, the Minister at Blaenconin Baptist Chapel in Llandysilio where Phillips is a member, said this year’s celebration had fired up the whole community. 

"It’s not every community that has a centenarian so we have done something special for the last seven years," he told BBC Radio Wales.

"She is a remarkable character. 

"Last year we released 106 Chinese lanterns but this has really brought the community together."

George, who is also the County Councillor for the area, said he was delighted that the money raised would help Thomas, who lives in the nearby village of Bethesda, train for the London 2012 Paralympics.

The 16-year-old, who has Duchene’s Syndrome which is a form of muscular dystrophy, is the current Welsh and British Wheelchair boccia champion and could well be a medal contender at London 2012. 
 
"He is an incredibly brave and determined boy," George said.
 
"All the money raised will help towards his training and when the tickets come on sale for the Paralympics in September, I think the Boccia will be full just from this community.
 
Thomas’s friends are just some of those taking park in the relay, which was started by members of the young farmers’ club in fancy dress overnight.

Among those taking part was the former England and Glamorgan cricketer Robert Croft who ran a mile in the village at midday.

Andrew Davies, Phillips’ grandson, helped organised the event and said a combination of people came up with the idea for the relay.

"It started at midnight and went on through the night at 10-minute intervals," he said.

"She was fast asleep when it started, mind.

"Everybody walks the mile and they are allocated 10 minutes. 

"So everyone starts on the ten minutes whether the person coming down or going up has finished or not.

"There’s been a tremendous response in the community. 

"We couldn’t have asked for more really."

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