Jess to run marathon in dad's memory (From South Wales Guardian)

Jess to run marathon in dad's memory

12:00am Tuesday 23rd October 2012 in News

AN AMMANFORD woman who ran 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 was coached by her father Alan during her schooldays in Ammanford.

“He wasmyathletics coach and spent most of his time driving me around the country to participate in events,”

she said.

Alan Davies, 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, who now lives in Sully, near Cardiff, will raise funds for Velindre Cancer Centre, where her dad was given specialist treatment, and the British Heart Foundation, in a tribute to her late grandfather Griff Jones.

“He wasmybiggest 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 - with lots including a signed rugby ball from her cousin, Shane Williams.

“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 to 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.”

To sponsor Jessica online for Velindre Cancer Centre, go to www.justgiving.com/jessicastephanie To donate towards the British Heart Foundation, go towww.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.c om