A 78-YEAR OLD Llangollen woman is gearing up to take part in a half-marathon. 

Judy Smith, a fellow organiser of the popular Llangollen Round Challenge is taking on the half-marathon in memory of her late friend, Sandra Woodhall who sadly passed away last month.

The Challenge was set up by Sandra and Judy and other members of the Llangollen Ramblers group and is loosely based on the Alpine Walk Tour of Mont Blanc.

At the age of 78, Judy has registered to take part in The Great North Run which is set to take place in September and will see her tackle the 13-mile course to boost funds for Cancer Research UK, the charity for which the Llangollen Round has already raised many thousands of pounds for since it's formation 11 years ago.

Despite being a regular at the local park run, the event will mark the first time in over 14-years Judy has taken part in an event of this size having torn a tendon in her ankle at the last Great North Run she participated in.

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Judy said: “On September 10 I shall be running the Great North Run half-marathon, raising funds for Cancer Research UK in memory of Sandra Woodhall, who sadly died in June. 

"Sandra was an amazing woman.

“So many local people knew her, both as a most diligent local vet and as a great friend. 

“She herself was passionate about Cancer Research UK, being chairman of the local committee, and in her lifetime raising more than half a million pounds for that charity.”

To help donate towards the half-marathon challenge, please visit https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/judys-giving-page-109

She added: “I’m not exactly a spring chicken – OK, I’m 78 - so that 13-mile run won’t be easy, but I wanted to do this as a tribute to her. 

“Several of the establishments around town have boxes where people can donate, including Dee Valley Vets, Pro-Adventure, Leisure Centre and the Ponderosa Cafe, or you can donate through my online Just Giving page.

“Cancer Research UK will be very grateful for any donation you can make in Sandra’s memory.”