A FORMER Cwmbran man is taking on a gruelling 72-mile race in memory of his aunt who died from cancer last year.

Simon Abdo, 24, who now lives in London, will take on the challenge around Lake Tahoe, California, in September to raise funds for St Anne’s Hospice.

This is after the hospice cared for his auntie Gwyneth Jelley, of Cwmbran, during her final days.

Mrs Jelley had battled for five years against breast cancer but lost her life to secondary cancers on December 20, aged 47.

Mr Abdo said: "It all happened really quickly. She was a very close family member.

"The hospice staff were inspirational though with the care they provided for her."

Mr Abdo, who is due to move out to California next month with his fiancé Marissa Henning, 25, will start his challenge at 10pm on September 24.

He will run 46 miles throughout the night before joining a regular marathon early Sunday morning.

The challenge will see him reach heights of 6,225ft above sea level and no breaks or stops are allowed.

Mr Abdo said: "It will be a real challenge but I really wanted to do my bit and to honour my auntie’s memory."

To sponsor Mr Abdo visit www.justgiving.com/altitudeultramarathon