A WHITCHURCH woman is having a marathon month by running 26 miles over the course of May to raise money for charity.

Jessica Thomas is taking part in 'Jog on Dementia' after losing her Nan Brenda Garner to the disease.

So far Jessica has raised more than £400 and has been going on short jogs every few days to bring her up to the 26-mile mark.

Jessica said she undertook the challenge after see the damaging effect dementia has on sufferers and their families.

"As some of you may know someone very close to me had this horrible disease and passed away last year," said Jessica.

"I saw how it affected her and everyone who looked after her. I would like to raise money for families like ours, to help build the awareness also for the research to help find a cure.

"Your donations will keep me going so please donate what you can to help beat dementia.

"This is for Brenda. Hope I can make you proud."

Jessica's sister Jade has praised her efforts, especially while running her own business at the same time.

She said: "The fundraiser is helping to raise awareness of the disease which is the UK's biggest killer but also raises money which goes towards further research in the hope of one day finding a cure.

"I am a mental health nursing student and I work at the Whitchurch community hospital so I am extremely familiar with the effects of the disease as well as seeing how it has affected my own family.

"The support Jessica has received for doing this is amazing especially as she is finding the time to carry it out as well as running her own business."

To donated to Jessica's fundraiser, visit https://jogondementia.everydayhero.com/uk/jessica-18