A SISTER is remembering her sibling’s incredible fundraising achievements after rallying together with family to complete her last charity event.

Val Jones died on August 24 at the age of 72. The walker was leading a group of ramblers on an eight-mile walk on the mountains above Conwy.

Despite her being fit and healthy, the Wales Air Ambulance crew were unable to save her.

Val grew up in Rhyl but had lived in Rhuddlan for 35 years. Her fundraising was inspired by her late husband Derek who lost his life in 2016 to frontotemporal dementia, described as Pick's disease.

She cared and supported Derek in his latter years and in 2015, walked the entire length of the Anglesey Coastal Path - 128 miles - to raise money to fund Dementia Research via the Alzheimers Society. She also raised funds for St Kentigern Hospice.

The achievement inspired Val to pursue a personal goal - to host further fundraising events for Dementia Research.

Following her husband's death, she held a concert at St Mary’s Church, Rhuddlan, in his memory.

Rhyl Journal:

Val and Derek. In 2016 Val completed “My Walk for Derek” – which took in the entire Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path

She also carried out a sponsored memory walk along the River Clwyd.

The events raised an incredible £4,800 towards Dementia Research.

Val died two days before her next planned event - an 'afternoon delight cuppa and cake' at Rhuddlan Community Centre.

Along with her extended family, Val’s sister Brenda Steed completed Val’s last event; family and friends met to reflect and share grief over a drink and made donations.

In November, part two of the event was held. A raffle took place and attendees were entertained and invited to sing along with Val’s brother Alun.

Rhyl Journal:

Val with the group on her memory walk

Brenda said: "The Community Centre was buzzing and the total funds raised from both afternoon tea events gave a further £1,350 towards the Alzheimers Society. This included a generous £100 donation from the Spar Store in Rhuddlan.

"Val was very passionate about her fundraising efforts and was inspired by Derek but, as was her way, she was always modest about what she had managed to achieve. As soon as one event had passed, she was already planning the next.

“Val was constantly striving to raise awareness of dementia. Through her determination and hard work, she tried to raise as many funds as she could towards research into this debilitating illness so others don't have to suffer in the way her devoted husband and far too many others have.

"We're very proud of all she achieved and realise what a very caring and special lady she was.

"Val always kept herself busy and despite her own grief, her determination to raise funds gave her some motivation to keep going.

"She had a real zest for life and certainly lived it to the full.”

Val, who was a sister to Ron, Alun as well as Brenda and her late brother, known to many as Bunny, regularly led walks for rambler groups as she and her late husband Derek had done for many years, prior to his illness.

Their love of walking had taken them across many parts of the UK and abroad.

Brenda added: "Ironically, it was during one of her favourite walks she sadly passed away.

"She had many friends throughout the Rhuddlan Community and beyond and her lovely smile will be missed by all those whose heart she touched."

Val had previously raised funds for hospices and helped other charities, such as the British Heart Foundation. She also worked closely with members of the Rhuddlan Dementia Strategy Group, chaired by Cllr Arwel Roberts (Mayor of Rhuddlan), drawing on her own experience.

Brenda said: "She was passionate about her Welsh roots and over the last few years had learn to speak fluent Welsh.

"Her family meant the world to her and she was a devoted auntie and great auntie to her many nephews and nieces, both at home and abroad in Canada."