A NEW volunteer who has joined the Dementia Friendly Keighley (DFK) group will raise cash to support its work by taking part in a fun run.

Peter Hellens, from Sandbeds, intends to complete the Great Skipton Santa Fun Run on November 26.

Mr Hellens works in a care home, so is no stranger to the devastating impact dementia can have on individuals, families and communities. His own father also had the disease.

He came into contact with DFK earlier this year when he and his wife, Janice, approached the group for help and guidance with a family member who had been diagnosed with the illness.

Since then, both of them have become DFK volunteers, using their own experiences to helping other people in similar situations.

Mr Hellens said: "My motivation for supporting DFK is twofold. First, it's a local charity and second I've seen first-hand the commitment of those running the group. Any income the run generates will go to further their aims."

This is not the first time he and his wife have generated cash for the cause. They celebrated their Golden Wedding recently and raised £520 in lieu of presents, half of which they gave to DFK.

Last year more than 1,300 Santas of all ages completed the Great Skipton Santa Fun Run, which is organised by The Rotary Club of Skipton Craven.

The route is a five-kilometre circular route around the canals and streets of the town.

Mr Hellens has tackled the route before, and said he is looking forward to doing it again in the company of his friend Ian Acrid.

People can visit mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/maggiemarsden1 to support his fundraising effort.