"I AM just really chuffed, proud and humble."

Those were the sentiments of Barry man Paul Adamson, after 67 men and women ran the Cardiff Marathon and Half Marathon on Sunday in memory of his five-year-old son Jamie.

Paul, 39, and his army of Jamie Adamson Mem-orial Fund runners each completed the 13.1-mile or 26.2-mile courses, to help raise money so the charity can buy a static caravan in West Wales.

It will be used so that the families of children suffering with cancer can enjoy a much-needed break.

Paul and wife Nicola's son Jamie died of leukaemia in early 2004. So far the charity, which was established just 18 months ago, has collected in the region of £60,000.

Paul, of Churchfields, said that he originally anticipated the marathon effort to raise about £3,500.

However, early indications suggest the figure is going to be well above that amount.

Paul, who completed the half marathon in 1hr 51mins - and who ruptured his calf muscle in the process - said: "Everyone finished the race and most people beat their target times.

"I would like to thank family and friends who were there cheering us on - they made such a big difference.

"Sam Adamson, Chad Clarke and Ben Stait were great with their JAM Fund banner.

"When I got inside the stadium, Dave Manley, a teacher from Barry Comprehensive, passed me and tried to encourage me to run with him.

"I couldn't keep up, but that just summed up the team support."

Over 30 members of staff from Barry Comp-rehensive took part, including headteacher Mr Swallow, and Jacqui Terblande, wife of South African rugby player Steffan Terblande, also ran the half marathon for the JAM Fund.

Paul continued: "So many people were running for us with Jamie's name on their backs. I think he would have been proud too."

Paul said he would like the Cardiff Marathon and Half Marathon to be the charity's main event.

The caravan, which will cost £4,000 a year to run, will hopefully be ready by March, and several families have expressed an interest in using it.

"We hope to be able to raise money for lots of things in the future," said Paul, whose charity gave £15,000 each to Children With Leukaemia and LATCH last year.

He added: "If we can save just one family from going through what we experienced, then Jamie will not have passed away for nothing."

Paul said he would like to thank everyone who supported the marathon effort, and everyone who has raised money for the JAM Fund in the past.

He also thanked Ben and Nicola Bennett who hosted the post-race reception free of charge at Gordon Bennetts on Broad Street, and local band Hostage who performed free at the event for free.

l For more information about the JAM Fund, please log on to www.jamfund.co.uk