Jo gears up for 230 mile bike ride (From Penarth Times)

Jo gears up for 230 mile bike ride

11:50am Saturday 4th July 2009

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A COUNSELLOR will get on her bike in a push to raise more than £2,000 for Vale charity Crossroads.

Jo Hendry, who works for Crossroads in the Vale (EMI) within a team of staff who support families, carers and those suffering from dementia, is gearing up to complete a 230-mile journey from Penarth to Bangor.

The five-day Wheels Across Wales adventure will be her second long-distance challenge this year, having completed the Flora London Marathon in April.

The 40-year-old Penarth and Dinas Runners member also ran a solo marathon route around the Vale of Glamorgan in 2007, to highlight the isolation of carers, raising almost £4,000 for Crossroads in the process.

Jo said: "I just love to be part of something that is so worthwhile.

"Caring can be a very isolating experience, especially for those supporting a family member with dementia.

"I know many couples who have worked hard all their lives and made plans for retirement, only to see them all go out of the window when a partner is diagnosed with dementia.

"It’s such a shock – people often don’t know where to turn for help and advice.

"By providing practical help for those with dementia and support for their carers, our aim is to help people stay as independent as possible, for as long as possible."

She added: "The money raised will help fund Crossroads’ local programme of meetings and events for carers as well as respite care in the community and home support for dementia sufferers."

Jo also co-ordinates the charity’s carer support groups around Penarth, Barry and the Western Vale.

She said: "We organise social events, visiting speakers and museum visits, that don’t just give carers a well-deserved break, but encourage them to share their experiences.

"Carers often face financial and personal difficulties, as well as the stress of slowly losing touch with the person they love and friends and relatives.

"Mutual support can make all the difference."

Jo’s husband Neil is, injury permitting, due to accompany her along a countryside route that includes Caernarfon, Harlech, Brecon and Merthyr Tydfil. The Wheels across Wales challenge starts on July 11.

To sponsor Jo and follow her progress, visit www.johendry.wordpress.com For information about Crossroads in the Vale, call 029 2070 0057.

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