A MONMOUTH businessman is donating 10 per cent of sales to support his sister fundraise for Alzheimer's Research UK.

Paul Donnelly, of Charming Beads, offered to help Sarah Vause who will be running for the charity at the Virgin Money London Marathon on April 26. She is also appealing for companies to sponsor her in return for a logo on her running vest.

Sarah is taking on the 26.2-mile course in memory of close family members who have died from the illness.

She said: "It was a real blow when my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and it was horrible to see the devastating effect the disease had, both for her and our family. Then Laurina, my husband's grandmother, was diagnosed with the disease and went through a very swift downward spiral before she died at Christmas last year. My husband used to tell her about my running and that I was doing the marathon, and this challenge will be very much in her memory as well as my grandma's.

"I always knew running the marathon was going to be difficult, and training over the winter has been hard especially as I've been fighting knee injuries and a chest infection.

"It's been tough, but I've been training regularly with some seasoned runners who have a wealth of experience. I'm confident I'm going to finish the race, but I don't have a target time. My aim is to get round the course and enjoy it at the end. My family are going to London to cheer me on, and I'm looking forward to taking part in the biggest marathon in the world.

"My friends and family have all been so generous with sponsorship, and my brother's customers have been really supportive. The more I hear about other people who've been affected by dementia, with so many families fighting this battle, the more it brings home the enormity of its effects. I've got a big fundraising target, and if I can raise as much as I can for Alzheimer's Research UK this will all be worthwhile."