A determined teenager from Builth Wells is preparing to take on a significant personal challenge this spring, using the ABP Newport 10K as a powerful milestone in her ongoing recovery from a rare brain tumour. Erin Coyle, aged 17, will be participating in the event this April, which will represent the furthest distance she has run in over a year and her first official race since completing an intensive course of medical treatment.
A Sudden Diagnosis and Intensive Treatment
Erin, who is currently studying geography, business and history at A Level, received a life-altering diagnosis in March 2025. Following a series of preliminary medical tests, she was referred for an MRI scan which revealed a 4cm tumour situated near her pituitary gland. This growth was blocking fluid in her brain and required urgent surgical intervention.
She underwent three separate operations at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, including one particularly complex procedure that lasted more than fourteen hours. The surgical team worked to remove as much of the rare benign Grade 1 tumour as possible. The tumour's location near a nerve controlling movement subsequently affected Erin's balance, meaning she had to undertake the challenging process of relearning how to walk during her recovery.
Running as a Motivational Force
Throughout this difficult period, running emerged as a crucial source of motivation and a positive focus for Erin. Prior to her diagnosis, she and her mother regularly participated in local parkrun events together and had made plans to enter the Cardiff Half Marathon. While those original plans were put on hold, Erin established a new, meaningful goal: to complete the Newport 10K alongside her family, giving her a constructive and uplifting target to work towards during her rehabilitation.
Further scans in August indicated that additional treatment was necessary. Erin then embarked on a six-week course of proton beam therapy at The Christie Hospital in Manchester, a highly specialised form of radiotherapy. She successfully completed this treatment at the end of October and has since returned to her school studies while preparing for her next hospital check-up scheduled for February.
The Power of Community and Sport
Erin has stated that she is now concentrating on maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on the things that matter most to her, with achieving her 10K goal being a central part of that focus. The ABP Newport 10K is a key component of the larger ABP Newport Marathon Festival, which is set to take place on Sunday, 19th April. The festival programme also includes a full marathon, a half marathon, a mile race, and various junior events, creating a vibrant community sporting occasion.
Matt Newman, Chief Executive of Run 4 Wales, commented that Erin's remarkable determination perfectly embodies the spirit of the event, which celebrates personal resilience, community support, and the transformative power of sport to help individuals navigate through profoundly challenging times. The story highlights how setting physical goals can play a vital role in the healing process, providing structure, hope, and a sense of achievement during recovery.
