A BARRY man will take part in the Cardiff half marathon this weekend to support a disabled youngster.

Dad-of-one Jake Bourne will run the 13.1 mile course in order to support his friends' daughter, six-year-old Blisse Mellens who has polymicrogyria and periventricular nodular hetertopia – a brain malformation which causes uncontrolled epilepsy.

She also has a movement disorder and global developmental delays.

Mr Bourne’s efforts will go towards the £2500 needed provide equipment needed by Blisse when she moves into her new home next year with mum Laura, 31, dad Ash, 35, and her sister Nevaeh, 12.

Blisse’s mum, Laura Mellens said: “She would like to have the air jets in her bath when we move to the new adapted house to help her muscles and relax her during bath time. The bath would also have a sensory light which would change the colour of the water. Blisse's favourite thing is her lights so we'd like for her to experience it during bath time to as she loves the water.

"This is not available to have funding for so we are trying to raise funds. The quote is about £2,500.

“Ginny, Jake’s wife worked with Blisse when she was a younger as a play therapist and when she left her job we have kept in contact. Ginny has always been so kind to our family and We are so grateful that Jake wanted to help Blisse.”

Mr Bourne, a software developer for the NHS Wales Informatics Service in Cardiff as a software developer, said he had got to know of Blisse through his wife Virginia.

He said: “I entered the Cardiff Half Marathon partly to get back into running races after a 13 year break, but also to start raising money for charity.

"However, you could say that I am fortunate not to have a charity close to my heart so Virginia suggested I run for Blisse.

"Virginia has known Laura for five years. It's great to raise money and be able to see how the money will be spent and especially how Blisse will benefit from the sensory equipment.”

To support, visit www.gofundme.com/2p8j4mb6