A SUPER-fit widower is taking on the Conwy Half Marathon in aid of Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith children’s hospices.

Dennis Smith, 78, a keen runner who has 300 of the 5km Park Runs under his belt, has not ran a half marathon for 21 years but has been putting in the miles training across North Wales recently.

Mr Smith, of Abergele, lost his wife Barbra earlier this year. He cared for her at home; she had Parkinson’s disease.

"Since Barbra passed away I have been able to train more and wanted to do something for a worthwhile local cause," he said. 

“I run regularly with an informal group in Menai Bridge, we’re all retired or approaching retirement, and I also do the Park Runs every week in Bangor.

“I’m looking forward to the race but don’t think it will be easy as it’s a tough course.

“I’ve just completed an 11 mile practise session with a friend from my running group so training is going well.

“I’ll be running with my friend Ilona Kurta who is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon and we’re hoping to raise a good amount of money for the hospices to help with some new equipment for the children and families.”

The race takes place on Sunday, November 20.

Mr Smith has a JustGiving page so supporters can contribute to his fundraising efforts: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/dennis-smith6

Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith children’s hospices in Conwy and Oswestry support more than 750 families who are either caring for a terminally ill child, or whose child has died.