A Gwendraeth Valley minister is celebrating completing the Welsh Three Peaks challenge in one day to raise cash for lifesaving services.

Heini Jones, from Tumble, took on the challenge in the summer in aid of Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Brain Injury and Complex Neurological Therapy Service.

Heini said: “In 2015, my son Iwan suffered a serious and life-changing neurological illness when he was only 14 years old and was diagnosed with encephalitis and the illness hit him hard.

“Iwan’s schooling became very limited as his condition was too severe for him to continue his studies and he continues to suffer from the effects of the illness and experiences symptoms such as extreme tiredness, severe pain and balance problems.

“To raise awareness of this life changing condition and its symptoms, as well as raising funds to say thank you to the team that has cared for Iwan, I set myself the challenge of completing the Welsh Three Peaks in a day just before my 50th birthday.”

Through sponsorship and donations in lieu of birthday gifts, Heini raised over £3,000 for the Hywel Dda Brain Injury and Complex Neurological Therapy Service.

Janine Jenkins, Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist, said: “We’re extremely grateful to Heini for his generosity in choosing to support the team.

“The money that Heini has raised will be used to fund community projects across Carmarthenshire that will allow our patients take part in meaningful therapeutic activities.

“Iwan has recently taken part in the Butterfly Effect Project, a 12-week community project at Parc y Bocs in Kidwelly.

“We plan to offer more activities of this nature to our patients which are made possible thanks to the charitable donations we receive.”

Heini would like to thank his friends and family for their support with his fundraising with a special thanks extended to members of Siloam Baptist Church, Killay; Soar Baptist Chapel, Llandyfan and Capel Carmel, Llandybie, where he is a minister.