COMPLETING this year’s Cardiff Half Marathon in less than three hours would be the icing on the cake for Ammanford baker Alison John.

Mrs John has signed up for the October 6 event to raise money for Guide Dogs Cymru.

She aims to power walk the 13-mile course at the brisk pace of five miles an hour, and said her job already keeps her in good shape.

“I bake cakes and decorate them, so I’m constantly back and forth the fridges, stores, ovens and sinks for eight or nine hours at a time,” she said. “I’ve measured with a pedometer how far I walk in work, and it’s 11 or 12 miles a day.”

Mrs John has completed several marathons and half marathons in the past at coastal spots such as Oxwich Bay, but this will be her first road race.

She will be cheered on by husband Phillip and members of the local branch, which includes guide dog owners Betty Harmer and David Skivington, plus retired guide dog Teddy, who has been adopted by Ammanford fundraiser Ann White.

Mrs John has seen at first hand how Guide Dogs helps visually impaired people to regain their mobility and independence. “My father is registered partially sighted and also has severe hearing problems,” she said. “He may apply to become a guide dog owner in the near future.”

It costs £50,000 for the lifetime of each guide dog, and the service receives no government funding. You can help by sponsoring Mrs John at www.justgiving.com/AlleyCat, or by ringing Guide Dogs Cymru on 0845 372 7405.