A FRIEND of a Caerwent teenager who died of toxic shock syndrome will be travelling more than 21 miles on a handcycle in her memory.

Jamie McAnsh, 33, will be journeying 21.6 miles from his home on Mount Pleasant Road in Cwmbran to the Priory Church of St Mary in Chepstow.

The ride, which will take place on February 19, is part of the 13 days of awareness of TSS organised by the family of Natasha Scott-Falber.

The campaign, which is backed by the Argus' sister paper the Free Press, will be taking place from February 14 to raise awareness of TSS as Natasha was 14-years-old when she died on February 14, 2013, of TSS from using her first tampon.

This will be the first journey on a handcycle for Mr McAnsh, who met Natasha while she was a member of WAWWA Musical Youth Theatre Company based in Cwmbran where he volunteered backstage.

Mr McAnsh has been in a wheelchair for the past year as he has an undiagnosed degenerative spinal disease.

He said: "I had never heard of Toxic Shock Syndrome before. I was stunned by Tasha's death and am very close to her family.

"You're not meant to have favourites but Tasha was one of my favourite in WAWWAs - her death hit me hard."

He added: "It's a frightening illness and that's why I wanted to help Tasha's family to raise awareness. The ride will be difficult but I will be joined by my wife and at least five others riding along side me.”

Mr McAnsh is a wheelchair basketball player for the Cardiff Celts and is the founder of See No Bounds, a charity which aims to support people with disabilities.

According to Toxic Shock Syndrome Information Service (TSSIS), around half the reported cases of TSS are associated with women using tampons, but it can also be caused by infections following burns, boils, insect bites or following surgery. The condition can be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early.

The family will be holding a 13 day awareness campaign starting with a 5km fun run on February 14 at the Old Station in Tintern. The awareness campaign will culminate in a gala concert on February 26 which will become National Toxic Shock Syndrome Awareness Day and would have been Natasha’s 17th birthday.

For more information visit http://tssaware.org.uk/