TWO Cwmbran runners have been pounding the tarmac for charity after being inspired by a schoolboy with a muscle wasting disease.

Aaron Foley, 25, from Cwmbran, and Graham Betty, 30, from Ty Canol, took on the challenge of running 16 miles from Ty Canol to Cwmbran for people with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy after hearing about the plight of Ethan Kinge.

Six year-old Ethan, from Griffithstown in Pontypool, was diagnosed with the muscle wasting disease in 2007, and has to have regular check-ups at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital and physiotherapy every day at home.

One hundred children are born with the genetic condition every year, and many have to use wheelchairs by the age of 13.

Ethan’s parents John and Becky were telling members of Victory Church in Cwmbran about their son’s condition when children’s worker Mr Foley heard their story and decided he had to do something.

He and friend Graham Betty decided they would raise money for charity Action Duchenne, and completed their 16 mile sponsored run in two hours and three minutes on Thursday.

Mr Foley said: “It was hard because the first ten miles were mountain, but we did not want to do something that was easy.”

So far the pair have raised around £500, with some sponsorship still to come.

Kemys Fawr Infant School pupil Ethan and his parents travelled to Downing Street last month to hand over a petition asking for better standards of care for Duchenne patients.

To donate, call Victory Church on 0845 4092449 or visit actionduchenne.org