AN ABERGAVENNY mum has completed a 36-mile walk to raise more than £450 for the charity that supports her son, who has a rare condition and was born without eyes.

Anna Batten, 31, of Victoria Street, began her challenge on Saturday in Brecon and spent three days walking along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal stopping at Llangattock and Goytre, before finishing behind Pets at Home, Cwmbran on Monday.

Mrs Batten,31, is supporting the charity Micro-Anophthalmic Childrens’ Society (MACS) which is run by parents for parents and their families affected by bilateral anophthamia - a rare genetic condition which her son Thomas, seven, suffers.

MACS is the UK’s national charity for children born without eyes or with underdeveloped eyes, and its services are accessed by around 500 families around the UK and further afield.

Thomas, a pupil at Deri View Primary School, was born without eyes and spent the first few years of his life in and out of hospital.

The condition only affects 35 babies a year in the UK.

Doctors realised his eyes had stopped growing in the womb and he was later fitted with prosthetic eyes.

Mum-of-two Mrs Batten is raising funds for the charity, which she said has been of great support to her family and offers a range of services including a telephone helpline, respite holidays, support groups and advice.

She said: “The charity is vital for those families with children suffering from this rare condition.”

“Their support has been invaluable and I want to help them as much as I can."

Mrs Batten broke the challenge up over three days and walked 15 miles on Saturday, 12 on Sunday and nine on Monday.

Her mum, Angela, joined her for the last leg between Goytre and Cwmbran.

Mrs Batten, who also has a son Rhys, aged two, said: “My parents, Will and Angela Lloyd, were fantastic in encouraging me to keep me going. The support I’ve had from people along the way and in donations has been fantastic.”

“It was hard to get up and walk each day but I only have one blister and a few aches.”

“I would like to thank those who supported me and have donated online and to the bucket collection. This money will really help the charity and those families that are supported by it.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com/MACS-canalwalk. To find out more about MACS visit macs.org.uk