VALE MP Alun Cairns will attempt his eighth London Marathon to raise money for the Dementia Revolution and Guide Dogs on Sunday, April 28.

Mr Cairns launched his fundraising campaign on Barry Island with representatives from both charities.

He is seeking to match the £10,000 raised for NSPCC Cymru and Atal Y Fro in the 2018 event.

Following his work to promote a ‘Dementia Friendly’ Vale, Mr Cairns will support the ‘Dementia Revolution’, which has seen Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Research join forces to raise funds through the London Marathon.

He said he wants to support the work they do to assist people living with dementia, their carers, and family.

He was joined by Ceri Smith, of Alzheimer’s Research, Jess Bowring, of the Alzheimer’s Society, and local volunteers including Teresa and Denis McGuire, Steven Blackman, and Barry resident, Jane Weldon.

Country director for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, Sue Phelps said: “We are delighted that Alun Cairns MP has joined the Dementia Revolution to run the London Marathon.

“Dementia is the biggest health threat facing society and there are currently no effective treatments to slow, prevent or cure it.

“Today, over 45,000 people are living with dementia in Wales.

“On marathon day we will have the largest ever team of runners like Alun raising funds for dementia research.

“We can’t thank Alun enough for making a stand with us and joining the charge toward a cure.”

Alzheimer’s Research UK director, Tim Parry said: “We are delighted Alun has joined the largest ever team of London Marathon runners raising funds for dementia research.

“Almost a million people are living with dementia in the UK and there are currently no effective treatments to slow, prevent or cure it.

“Dementia is not a lost cause.

“With the help of our amazing runners we can and will end it with research.”

Mr Cairns will also be raising funds for Guide Dogs who provide life-changing services to the 360,000 people who are registered blind or partially sighted and the two million people in the UK living with sight loss.

Mr Cairns was joined Guide Dog team members - including Andrea Gordon and her guide dog Kayley, Deborah Rees and Peter Jones.

The team said: “There are nearly two million people living with sight loss in in the UK, and by 2050 there will be nearly four million.

“We rely on the generosity of the public and participants taking parts in events like these to allow us to continue our life changing work.”

Mr Cairns said: “I am really pleased to be raising funds for two fantastic causes.

“I have been working with constituents on raising awareness of dementia and working with the Alzheimer’s Society to making improvements in our community.

“This is so that those living with Dementia in the Vale are in the most comfortable, understanding and accommodating environment possible.

“I have led on this by running Dementia Friendly training sessions, engaging with community organisations and local businesses, which has resulted in the establishment of a steering group to continue this work.”

He added: “On my second charity, I have engaged with passionate animal welfare campaigners on a number of matters including on the important puppy farming campaign and I’ve also met with the brilliant team at Guide Dogs to learn about their work supporting people with visual impairment.

“I share their passion on this issue and want to promote and support them as much as I can.

“The Guide Dogs team took me through the ‘blind-fold walk’ in Dinas Powys last year, which really demonstrated the vital role that guide dogs carry out.”

To donate, visit virginmoneygiving.com/aluncairns