A TEAM of runners will be taking on the Cardiff Half Marathon to help a little girl from Barry speak for the first time.

The family of five-year-old Blisse Mellens - who was born with a combination of rare brain disorders which mean she is unable to walk, crawl, sit unaided, or communicate verbally - are trying to fund a piece of equipment that will allow her to communicate and interact with the world by looking at images on a screen.

Helping raise money to go towards the Eyegaze equipment is family friend Leanne Williams.

Leanne explained that, due to wear and tear on her knees and a calf injury, this will be her third and final half marathon adding that "nothing will stop me running this half marathon for Blisse".

"Blisse has captured my heart," she said. "I love her smile and no matter what she is going through she never stops smiling, when I heard Laura needed funding for the eyegaze, I decided I had to help.

"Blisse's parents Laura and Ashley are an inspiration, they have never given up on Blisse and try so hard to give her the best quality of life, if I can help in any way to reach the funding Laura and Ashley need for the Eyegaze I will.

"I believe every parent deserves to hear the words Mum and Dad and if Blisse can communicate through the Eyegaze and say these words how amazing would that be!"

Cardiff University staff member Leanne has also recruited work colleagues Jonathan Simcock and Richard Frayling as well as gym buddy Phil Handley and Liz Foran to run for the cause.

"I roped these people in explaining Blisse’s story and am so grateful to them all. I would also like to thank South Wales Maintenance for their sponsorship of our t-shirts they kindly had made for us. We are all hoping to raise as much as we can and I am hoping we reach our goal as this equipment is very expensive."