It's not every day you meet someone like Bethan…so when we found out about her story at the 2021 M&D Care Llanelli Half Marathon, we just had to share it!
Bethan Osborne is 26 years of age and is from the lovely coastal town of Tenby in Pembrokeshire. Bethan was born with 2 holes in her heart and a narrowed main artery. After undergoing major surgery to repair her main artery at only 15 weeks old her strength to overcome adversity was obvious from the start!
Despite the amazing efforts by the team at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff she will be monitored under cardiology care for the rest of her life as the holes in her heart remain present.
Unfortunately, that’s not where Bethan’s health challenge ends. When she was 14, she was diagnosed with scoliosis (curvature of the spine). Scoliosis can affect people of any age but is most common to start in children between 10 to 15. Since Bethan was still growing, she had to wait until she was 16 before surgery could take place.
The long wait was worth it! After 6 hours on the operating table at the University Hospital of Wales, the procedure was hailed as a great success! Bethan gained 4 Inches in height as the curve had drastically affected her spine. She puts a new dimension to the phrase ‘woman of steel’ as her spine is now made up of titanium rods and screws.
Bethan was quite sporty before her spinal surgery and watching Iron-man Wales in Tenby inspired her to take up running. Roughly 2 years on from her operation, she decided it was time to start running and it wasn't long before she'd signed up to #RunSwansea and #Runelli too!
She is a determined and focused young woman to say the least, with having completed over 10 half's, 3 full marathons, 1 sprint triathlon, a cycle from Cardiff to Tenby and a full long course weekend…and she’s still going strong!
Bethan said:
“I have been lucky enough to not suffer with my conditions. Sometimes my back feels quite tight when it's cold but apart from that, I've been lucky. No cardio problems, although I'm monitored for life. Running helps me keep fit and healthy which is vital for my heart condition. I even surprise the doctors as to how much I am able to do.”
This year is a very special year for Bethan as she is finally able to run the London marathon after 6 years of trying. She said:
“I feel super lucky to be running as part of the British Heart Foundation, as it means so much to me. I am busy fundraising for this event so if anyone would like to sponsor me, I'd be very grateful.”
To donate to Bethan’s fundraiser click here: https://bit.ly/3LM0INx
Bethan added:
“It’s the end goal that keeps me motivated and hopefully I can inspire others that they are capable of achieving anything they want, despite their conditions.”
Remember to always consult a doctor and get a full health evaluation prior to long-distance training. Even if athletes appear healthy after treatment or surgery, or to have a disorder under control, underlying medical conditions could exist.
If you have an inspirational story or know someone who has inspired you, then get in touch with us so we can share it with our running community too! Just email: info@frontrunnerevents.co.uk
