Three determined friends have raised over £5,000 for the Day Surgical Unit at Amman Valley Hospital.

Sharon James, Tracy Anderson and Ray Watson recently took part in the Fan Dance, a gruelling 24km SAS Selection test march staged over Pen y Fan, the highest mountain in the Brecon Beacons.

The infamous march is the world’s oldest Special Forces test and is used as the first major indicator of whether a candidate has the physical and mental aptitude to complete the legendary Selection course.

In preparation for the intense challenge, the trio went hiking every Thursday and sometimes took part in spin classes and road running.

For Sharon, proprietor of Cae’r Ffair Nursery in Gorslas, this was an especially important fundraiser as her mother suffers from the medical condition AMD.

The condition results in a loss of central vision and affects people’s ability to drive, read and do any normal every day activities.

"My mum has been suffering with macular degeneration for years, and has lost one eye from the disease, which means it’s important to look after the other,” said Sharon.

“This then inspired me to do something and try to help my mum and others who are suffering by supporting this cause".

As well as facing the Fan Dance, Sharon held an open day with various activities and stalls, a cream tea event at Caffi a’r y Llyn and a curry night at Dwbi’s in Cross Hands.

Sharon would like to thank everyone that supported her to raise this fantastic amount of money.

Sister Helen Marks said: “We are very grateful for this wonderful donation.

“We hope to raise enough funds to update our medical devices at the Amman Valley Hospital Day Surgical Unit.

“This will in turn support us during clinics for the diagnosis of glaucoma and retinal disease, retina assessment for cataract surgery and anterior segment imaging for corneal disease which will benefit a wide range of patients living in this area and surrounding areas".