Big Hearted Welsh Actor

Welsh actor Mark Lewis Jones set young hearts racing with a special Valentine’s Day announcement that he is to run the 2006 Flora London Marathon for the sick children of Wales.

The Noah’s Ark Appeal was thrilled that the star of BBC dramas, Spooks, The Bench, and Hollywood blockbuster, Troy, announced his support for the Children’s Hospital for Wales.

On the most loving day of the year, it was Mark’s devotion for his own children that inspired him to embrace the challenge of running the 26-mile course through the capital.

“I’m expecting the race to be very tough and I’m sure I’ll be really flagging by the end,” said the big-hearted fundraiser.  “I’ve got four children of my own, and the thought of them being taken ill is horrifying, so running for such an important cause will really spur me on.” 

Mark’s challenge is part of the Noah’s Ark Appeal’s campaign to promote the benefits of getting fit whilst fundraising.  By encouraging their fundraisers to be more active, the Appeal is hoping to improve the health of the nation as well as the health of the sick children treated at the Children’s Hospital for Wales.

Children at Llanedeyrn Primary School helped to deliver Mark’s heartfelt appeal for support by getting their valentine’s hearts pumping in a head-to-head race against the 41 year old actor from Wrexham.

The money raised from Mark’s marathon effort will contribute to the £200,000 needed for brand-new equipment at the children’s eye clinic, which will help to provide a more specialised and streamlined service to children with eye problems in Wales.

“At the moment, these children have to share important equipment with the adult department, which often means delays for treatment,” explained Chairman of Trustees of the Noah’s Ark Appeal, Lyn Jones MBE. “With brand-new, state-of-the-art facilities, paediatric ophthalmologists will be able to provide a more efficient, child-friendly service and a much higher level of care for young children in Wales.”

“We are thrilled to have Mark here in the nursery today to announce his support for the Noah’s Ark Appeal,” said nursery teacher, Lynda Owen.  “The children have had great fun putting him through his paces, and it’s a lovely Valentine’s Day treat for them to dress up especially for the occasion!”

If you would like to help raise money for much needed equipment for the eye unit at the Children's Hospital for Wales, you can sponsor Mark online using you credit or debit card.