Pupils from Peter Lea Primary School in Fairwater are preparing to run a marathon to raise money for pioneering research into the cure for dementia.

The challenge, which will take place on Friday 29, March will see the children aged 3-11 years, complete ten laps of their school playground - the equivalent of running one mile. By the end of the day, each class will have collectively completed the 26.2-mile distance to support the Dementia Revolution.

They will be joined by their teachers and the school's Deputy Head, Will Barrett, who is also running the 2019 Virgin Money London Marathon to raise money for the charity.

The Dementia Revolution is a special one-year campaign from Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer's Research UK, who have joined forces as Charity of the Year for the 2019 Virgin Money London Marathon. The campaign is raising money for the most ambitious dementia research endeavour the UK has ever seen - the UK Dementia Research Institute.

Emma Gough, Headteacher at Peter Lea Primary School said: "Running, exercise and staying healthy can bring huge benefits to people's lives, so it's a fantastic way for pupils to enjoy these positive effects as well as raise money for such an important cause."

Will Barrett, Deputy Head at Peter Lea Primary School, organised the challenge and will be running the London Marathon in memory of his grandma. He has first-hand experience of the impact that dementia can have on sufferers and their families: "My nan, Maud, lost the last decade of her life to the disease.  It's such a cruel illness as it robs people of their fondest memories, even causing them to forget those closest to them. 

"That must be devastating to experience and is utterly heart-breaking to witness."

Will is aiming to raise £2000 for Dementia Revolution. To read more about his personal reasons for running, or to sponsor him,visithttps://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/willb

For further information about the Dementia Revolution, including how you can support the campaign by volunteering on marathon day, go towww.dementiarevolution.org