Dad's marathon for disabled son (From Barry And District News)

Dad's marathon for disabled son

A BARRY dad is pulling out all the stops to create a better life for his disabled son. Local man Alex Skibinski will be running the Cardiff Marathon to raise money for four-year-old cerebral palsy sufferer Joe.

The little lad needs a special walking frame to help him stand and walk. This means he can spend more time with his nan Grace, who lives in High Street, Barry. But it costs over £2,000.

Alex, a photographer, told the News: "Joe is a happy little boy who tries very hard to understand how his body works. He requires a lot of help, which is why he needs this frame."

Alex, 44, ran the London Marathon 20 years ago for Skin Blistered Children, and vowed never to do one again.

But on Sunday, September 1, he will cover 26 miles and 385 yards. While Alex will do the running on his own, he has a network of support behind him.

Niki Evans, owner of Heads First at Island Road, also runs Slimming World classes. She has organised a sponsored diet to swell the funds in the Joe Alexander Trust.

Niki said: "August is a hard month to lose weight. The kids are off school, there are barbecues and parties, and going on holiday always puts temptation in the way.

"So we love having an incentive, and Joe has given us one. The Slimming World class at the YMCA on Monday evenings and the Castleland Community Centre class on Thursday mornings are raising money.

All the proceeds will go to this deserving little boy. We have a half-price membership throughout August, so if anyone wants to join us, they're welcome."

Niki has a sponsor sheet in her hairdresser's shop in Island Road. n For more information on the Slimming World classes, call Niki on 01446 740394.