THE sun shone yesterday as families joined together to take part in a 5k race at Tredegar Park in aid of national charity Heart Research UK.

The charity, which works to support the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease, has organised 12 Helping Hearts events across the UK with the help of food chain Subway.

Newport’s Tredegar Park was the third date in the charity’s UK tour and saw families complete the 5k course with the promise of a free Subway lunch, goody bag and t-shirt waiting for them at the end.

Ruth Caddy, from Bedwas, was one of the mums who took part in the event to support her mum, Rona, who has suffered from heart disease and failure since 1990.

The 45-year-old completed the 5k course with her two daughters, Kayleigh and Grace, and said they hope to raise as much money as possible.

Ms Caddy said: “We had to go through a lot as a family when mum became ill and was in and out of hospital, so anything that can prevent it happening to others is so worthwhile. 

“The Subway 5k event is great for a family atmosphere and hopefully it will help raise awareness and become as popular as the Race for Life events.”

But yesterday’s event also had a twist with families challenged to take on a giant inflatable part of the race for the final 500 metres, although the traditional route was still available.

For more information about the charity please visit www.heartresearch.org.uk.