Representatives from more than 10 charities were overjoyed to receive generous donations from the race committee of the Tata Steel Beast of Bryn alpine trial race at a presentation evening held at Tata Steel’s training academy in Port Talbot.
With local dignitaries in attendance including Stephen Kinnock MP and Kinnock and the Mayor of Neath Port Talbot Cllr Arthur Davies it was an evening of celebration.
Nearly £7000 was donated to various charities including the Western Beacons mountain rescue, Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Mind Neath Port Talbot.
All of the recipients are linked to the race for a special reason, with some having personal tie to the race committee.
Anna Tobin, wife of race organiser Shaun accepted a donation of £2300 on behalf of Cystic Fibrosis trust. Anna spoke of how, since their eldest son Joe’s diagnosis at 5 weeks old they had worked hard to raise money for the charity that had been such a help to them as a family. The race itself was born out of this desire to give back to the charity that works hard to find a cure for the condition that affects their now teenage son.
Western Beacons Mountain rescue, long term partners of the race were also in attendance to accept a £1000 donation. They provide vital safety cover for the race route that takes in the beautiful scenery of Bryn and the Afan valley countryside.
Amongst other recipients were Bryn Women’s Institute, Bryn Residents Action Group, Cwmafan Residents Action Committee and Port Talbot YMCA.
“It is a credit to the race committee, headed up by Graham Rowland and Shaun Tobin that the legacy of the race remains very local to the Port Talbot site and that so many local charities benefit.” Comments Nia Singleton Community Liaison Manger, Wales for Tata Steel.
Some of the special mentions on the evening included a presentation by Damien David who received a donation that enabled him to travel to South Africa as part of the Wales Deaf Rugby team. Damien spoke to the room about his experience in Pretoria, most memorable was the outreach the team did with local children who were excited to have some top level rugby training.
Tata Steel Strip Products UK Hub Director, Stuart Wilkie closed the evening commending both Graham and Shaun for their hard work and dedication in pulling together not only the Beast of Bryn but the Richard Burton race too.
Online entry is now open for the Tata Steel Richard Burton 10k road race which takes place in Cwmafan on the 1st November, with over 600 runners expected to take part in the main race and 200 young people in the Tata Kids of Steel fun run it will be another community day to remember. Fro more information on the race see @Burton10k twitter feed.