A TENBY woman will be thinking of her dad as she pounds the streets of London tomorrow morning.

Jo Rowe is running the London Marathon to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society.

Former Ysgol Preseli pupil Jo's father John was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2011, aged 58.

The 25-year-old, who grew up in Tenby and now works in Cardiff, said: "So many people are affected by this disease and I'm sure there are a lot of people out there with loved ones being diagnosed, battling the condition, or who have passed away after losing their battle to dementia and Alzheimer's.

"This run isn't just for my dad but for everyone who has a loved one or who has lost a loved one to the disease."

John requires 24-7 care, and in March was admitted to hospital after his condition began deteriorating, and Jo says completing the marathon now means even more to her. 

"So many people will ask about dad and I can honestly say it's probably one of the most difficult things to try and explain to somebody," she said.

"It's difficult to explain and even more difficult to try and get others to get a true understanding of his condition and what he's like on a day to day basis.

"Nevertheless, it's almost six years since his diagnosis and he's still here with us and enjoying life."

Jo has already raised money by taking part in a Memory Walk and the Cardiff half-marathon, and she said she was delighted to take her fundraising to "the next level" while simultaneously crossing the challenge off her bucket list.

"I'm feeling super excited about the run but also very nervous," she said.

"Ive been blown away by people's generosity on my Just Giving Page."

Jo held a Charity Quiz Night in Tenby in March, a car boot sale at Carew and a bake sale to drum up cash, and so far has clocked up £3,152.26 for the charity.

To make a donation, click here.

Coverage of the Virgin London Marathon starts at 9.55am on BBC 1 tomorrow (Sunday, April 23).