A VALE councillor is set to take part in the Sport Relief six mile run around Barry Island in memory of her sister and the founder of a Barry-based charity.

Councillor Lis Burnett is set to complete the fun run on Sunday, March 23, in aid of The Safe Foundation as a tribute to the charity's founder, Lucy Dickenson.

The run will also be taking place on the one year anniversary of the death of Councillor Lis Burnett's sister, Barbara, who died on March 23 last year.

Barbara, who was 60 years old, had been battling breast cancer for several years

"I didn't want to sit around in mourning as that's not what my sister was about,” said Lis.

"I remember when my sister was told she was terminally ill she got through a bout of chemotherapy and she dragged me and my other sister off to cycle around France in aid of charity."

Lis, Barbara and Cath managed to raise thousands of pounds for charity by cycling from the north to the south of France, with the journey chartered in Barbara’s blog ‘hot wheels in France’.

Lis, who represents the St Augustine's ward in Penarth, is taking part in the fun run in aid of The Safe Foundation.

The charity was set up by Barry girl Lucy Dickenson and aims to help poverty-stricken communities in developing countries by improving their access to education, safe water and healthcare.

Tragically Lucy died during a crash in Zambia in August 2012, but her work has been carried on by her twin sister, and the charity’s co-founder, Hannah Fitt.

“I think it’s brilliant that Lis is doing the fun run as it’s something I could never do,” said Hannah.

“She’s definitely got guts and I’ll be there cheering her on.”

Lis, of Redlands Road, said she considered doing the one mile challenge but decided to do the full six miles instead.

“I though both Lucy and my sister Barbara wouldn't have settled for just what I could do, so I decided to do the full six miles."

Lis, cabinet member for regeneration, innovation planning and transport, added that one of the biggest obstacles to taking part in the run was the spinal surgery she had in her early twenties.

"I had part of my spine taken out as I was born with a congenital back defect,” she said.

"I was told I wouldn't be able to run but I still go to the gym twice a week.

"What I tell people is that I know it won't look pretty as my back still isn't perfect, but I will still do it and finish it.”

Lis can be sponsored at www.justgiving.com/lis-for-safe