A Llandybie teacher has gone above and beyond to raise almost £5,000 for a charity close to her heart.

Emma Wheeler, Autism Advisory teacher for Carmarthenshire, completed the Ironman Wales competition in Tenby on September 10 in a phenomenal 13 hours and 43 minutes and was awarded a trophy the following day for being placed third in her age category.

Due to her excellent achievement, Emma has now qualified for the Ironman World Championships next year which is set to take place in Kona, Hawaii.

“The weather conditions were the toughest the event has ever seen” Emma said.

“The fact I have qualified to compete in the World Championships is beyond incredible as I only took up cycling around two years ago.”

Ahead of the main event, an auction evening for Emma’s chosen charity LATCH Welsh Children’s Cancer Charity on behalf of Ysgol Bro Dinefwr pupil Ryan Skilton was held at The Plough Inn, Rhosmaen on September 6.

“Over the years I have gotten to know Ryan and his family and they said that LATCH had helped them so much with his cancer diagnosis and other children so I decided to raise money for that charity, said Emma, 49.

“I work with children with autism as part of my job and it is hard to get your head around when they are battling illnesses.

“The event was a massive success raising over £2,500 on the night from ticket sales, auction prizes and blind raffle.

“Andrew from The Plough pulled out all the stops, venturing above and beyond with his hospitality towards us and proved their 4-star rating and achieved a wonderful setting and outstanding food for all our guests.”

A turbo cycling event was also held at County Cycles Cross Hands as well as distributing several donation tins and a total of £4690 has been raised so far for LATCH - just £310 shy of their £5,000 target.

Ryan returned to school at the start of September, where he was hoping to attend school on a part time basis. Sadly, Ryan's cancer has returned and he is currently in hospital receiving further treatment.

Considering he was given just 48 hours to live days before his 15th birthday in November 2016, the progress he has made is nothing short of a miracle and we send all our best wishes to Ryan and his family.

Ryan will continue to need the support of these services as he battles again and this further highlights the need to continue our fundraising campaign.

Ryan’s mum Sarah Skilton said: “We would like to thank LATCH Wales for their unwavering support, the lifesaving work of the medical teams at University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, the Teenage Cancer Trust, Cilgerran Children's Ward at Carmarthen Hospital and finally to every person, family, friend and stranger that has supported Emma and myself with our fundraising efforts. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.”

If you would like to support Emma visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Emma-Wheeler10.