A SULLY woman who is preparing for this weekend’s Cardiff Half Marathon is also set to run the 2013 London Marathon for charity, in memory of her late father who inspired her to start running.

Jessica Davies, who will also run the Llanelli half marathon and the Llanelli 10-mile Multi Terrain race in November, was coached by her father Alan during her school days.

"He was my athletics coach and spent most of his time driving me around the country to participate in events," she said.

Alan Davies, who was a bus driver, died of cancer at the age of 49 in 2001. He coached athletics and cross-country and ‘inspired a lot of people to run’.

Jessica, 30, will raise funds for Velindre Cancer Centre, where he was given specialist treatment, and the British Heart Foundation, in a tribute to her late grandfather Griff Jones.

"He was my biggest fan and went to every race with me too," she added.

Jessica, of Courtlands at Hayes Point in Sully, has already arranged several fundraising auctions in Ammanford, where she was born – with lots including a signed rugby ball from her cousin - Welsh rugby star Shane Williams.

Her next fundraiser, an afternoon tea session in Ammanford on October 26, will also feature an auction.

"We've got a few donations already, including tickets for Folly Farm," she said.

"It rained when we did it last year so we are hoping for a bit better weather."

Jessica, who lectures at Beachwood College in Sully, said: “The charities are very close to my heart, so I am going to try and raise as much as I can to thank them for the support they have given me and my family.

"I had been thinking about things to do, and thought running a marathon would be a good challenge.”

As preparation for the 26.2mile distance, Jessica recently ran the Swansea 10k. "The weather was terrible so I'm hoping it’s not that bad for the marathon!" she said.

To sponsor Jessica online for Velindre Cancer Centre go to www.justgiving.com/jessica-stephanie

To donate towards the British Heart Foundation go to: www.justgiving.com/jessica-davies

If you would like to donate anything to the auction, or for further details, contact Jessica on jessica.j.davies@btinternet.com