A BLACKWOOD teacher will take on gruelling charity events every month this year in memory of her father.

Deputy head of Caegarw Primary School, Nicola Richards, decided to take on the challenge for her dad Gareth Bobbett, of Pontllanfraith, who died aged 68, after a long battle with cancer.

The 41-year-old has already ticked off the Lliswerry eight mile race in January, the Pontypool 10k in February, Mumbles Duathlon in March and the Tour de Gwent in April from her list and is now set to compete in the Cardiff triathlon in May.

She is also preparing for the challenging Acorn Dalmatian Bike Ride on Saturday, June 4, in aid of St David’s Hospice Care.

She said: “My husband Lee has been incredible and is taking part in lots of the events with me. He is taking part in all the cycling events and has to in case I have a puncture.

"An extremely important part of the whole process has to be inspiring the children in school. One little boy told me I have inspired him and another little girl told me I have helped her believe in herself. Being a healthy, fit role model has become really important to me and such a special part of my life.”

Sponsorship is not a new concept to Mrs Richards, who celebrated her 40th birthday by asking for donations to St David's Hospice Care instead of presents, raising more than £400 in the process.

She also runs a monthly craft club that has raised around £1,000 for different charities in the last three years, alongside holding afternoon teas with her mum.

Mrs Richards added: “St David’s Hospice Care were absolutely incredible. When we were told my dad’s cancer was terminal, we were put in contact with Anne Hudd, from St David’s Hospice Care. Anne was a constant support at the hardest, most difficult time of our lives.

“Dad didn’t want to go into a hospice. He wanted to stay home and St David’s Hospice Care’s night nurses enabled us to keep him home. The last week of dad’s life, the dedicated nurses were there to support Mum and me and treated dad with such compassion and care."

For more details on and how to enter the Acorn Dalmatian Bike Ride visit dalmatianbikeride.com