ON Sunday, April 23, Jo Rowe, who hails from Tenby, will be running the London Marathon for the Alzheimers Society, a charity very close to her heart as her dad, John Rowe, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in January 2011, age 58.

Twenty-five-year-old Jo, who lives in Cardiff, working for the Vale of Glamorgan County Council as a private rented sector co-ordinator within the housing department, explained: “Over the last six years, dad has changed significantly and now requires assistance with day-to-day activities that we all take for granted - showering, dressing, eating and even engaging in conversation (the list goes on!). The main thing, though, is he’s still here with us and enjoying life as much as he can, with the help of my amazing mum and the care she gives him whilst leading an already hectic life running a B&B.”

Jo continued: “Last year, I completed the Cardiff Memory Walk and decided a month before the date to enter the Cardiff Half Marathon and raised over £1,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society, so this is my biggest challenge yet!

“I’ve never been into long distance running; I was always more of a sprinter in my school days, so this is a huge personal challenge for me. I’ve been following a training plan and have been training five times a week, which has been tough, but I’m feeling very determined.

“This disease affects so many families, so this run isn’t only for my dad and my family, but for everyone else who has loved ones suffering from the disease. It’s a cruel, terminal illness, but hopefully the research being carried out by the Alzheimer’s Society will find a cure in the future.

“I have pledged to raise £2,000, so please help me reach my target by donating any amount possible, big or small.”

Anyone who would like to pledge sponsorship can do so via https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/JoeyRowe

In addition, a quiz night is being held on Thursday, March 9, at the Sandbar, Tenby, at 7.30 pm. Teams of four, £10 entry. Raffle with prizes.