The Santa Fun Run brought smiles to hundreds of faces on the cold streets of Monmouth last week, but there is a serious side to the event – raising much-needed funds for charity.

All of the money raised by runners will be donated to two good causes – ABF The Soldiers Charity and Ty Hafan children's hospice.

Here, the Beacon looks at how one of the charities helped a family from Monmouth in their time of need.

"ABF The Soldiers Charity is an incredible organisation, it is the national charity of the British Army and supports soldiers, former soldiers and their families in times of need," said Jess Gunn.

"When my brother Jamie was tragically killed while serving in Afghanistan in February last year, ABF The Soldiers Charity provided immediate support to my family – we didn't ask or apply – help just arrived and we will never forget that."

The charity's actions were appreciated and the Gunn family have since been helping to raise money for ABF.

With the help of his friends, Jess recently organised a showing of Jamie's favourite film, Anchorman, at Monmouth's Savoy Cinema.

The screening raised £455 for ABF, which Barclays have matched, taking the grand total to £910

"ABF The Soldiers Charity has recently seen a 30 per cent year-on-year rise in people seeking their help and this is expected to increase with the continuing operations in Afghanistan.

"The money raised by the people of Monmouth at events like the film screening and the Santa Fun Run makes a very real difference in helping the charity carry out its incredible work."

For more information go to the website

soldierscharity.org/how-we-help/jess-gunn