A FOUR-year-old budding athlete from Llandybie has celebrated finishing second place at the Ironman Wales event in Tenby last weekend which resulted in him raising over £300 in memory of his grandfather.

Gruffydd Jones competed in the Ironkids event on Saturday and came in second place in the reception class, 500 metre category.

The young Llandybie school pupil has now raised £300 for Velindre Cancer Charity in memory of his grandfather, Alan Davies, a popular bus driver from Parcyrhun, who died of cancer at the age of 49 in 2001.

Presenting the Ironkids medals were Welsh rugby legends - Shane Williams, Ryan Jones and Ian Gough.

Gruffydd’s mother, Stephanie Jones, said the family were incredibly proud of his achievement.

“Gruffydd has done amazing and I know my dad would have been extra proud of him.

“I would like to thank everyone who has helped Gryffydd raise over £300 for Velindre Cancer Centre, a charity very close to our hearts.”

Gruffydd is from a family of runners, his aunt Jessica Davies has competed in numerous marathons and half marathons and his grandfather, Alan, was an athletics coach.

Jessica, who has herself raised thousands of pounds for Velindre, helped Gruffydd cross the finish line on Saturday.

Stephanie added: “Gruffydd had to have an adult so it was fitting to have Jessica run beside him.”

Stephanie would like to thank Velindre Cancer Centre for getting behind Gruffydd and supporting him on the day.

“The guys at Velindre have been fantastic,” she said. “They gave him their own goodie back, which included a medal and t-shirt.”

Looking ahead Gruffydd will be running in another event in Cardiff next year.

Stephanie added: “There’s no stopping him, Gruffydd is very active, he takes part in so many sports clubs. He certainly keeps me busy.”

If you would like to sponsor Gruffydd you can do so at justgiving.com/fundraising/GruffyddTomosJones