STAFF from a Torfaen housing association have boosted a colleague’s campaign to raise money for life-changing research into Alzheimer’s disease.

Independent Living Officer at Melin Homes, Sam Howells, is in training to run the Brighton Marathon in April, with colleagues donating £465.20 thanks to their "Humbug Appeal".

The festive appeal — collecting money in lieu of buying Christmas cards — takes Sam’s fundraising total to £1,140.60.

Over 850,000 people in the UK are living with dementia, with four per cent of those affected being under 65 and one in three over-65s dying from the disease.

As a recognised “dementia-friendly” organisation, Melin have received awareness raising sessions and delivered services to help support dementia patients.

These include Melin’s sheltered schemes such as Memory Box reminiscence sessions run in conjunction with the museums service.

Reflecting on the fundraising, Ms Howells said: “Running 26.2 miles is going to be an incredible challenge for me as I am fairly new to running.

“When I’m out completing long runs of up to 22 miles on a Sunday in the bitter cold and rain, thinking of the difference this fundraising will make to the lives of those battling dementia and their families keeps me going.”

Melin’s deputy chief executive, Peter Crockett, added: “We have a great staff team who are dedicated to helping our residents and the wider community.

“I'm so proud that we have been able to support Sam’s bid to raise money for a fantastic cause.”