Jackie to fly the flag in New York (From Western Telegraph)

Jackie to fly the flag in New York

BRAVE special constable Jackie Meek is to fly the flag for Wales and show support to the United States when she takes on the challenge of the New York City Marathon.

Last year, 44-year-old Jackie - who has an inactive brain tumour - completed the London Triathlon, raising £2,500 for Cancer Research UK. This year, the mother-of-two has set her sights across the Atlantic, and has now started her fundraising for the same charity, in memory of a close friend who died of a brain tumour.

Jackie, who lives at Penblewin, Narberth, and is a special attached to Haverfordwest Police Station, was found to have the slow-growing benign tumour when she went for an eye test.

A successful operation at Morriston Hospital followed, where a shunt to prevent a build-up of fluid around her brain was carried out, and she continues to lead a busy, active life.

I run four miles a day and do a 15-mile cycle ride and a 40-length swim once a week, so Im pretty fit and very self-motivated, she explained. After doing the London Triathlon I felt I needed a new challenge, so I decided to go for the New York Marathon. Its a very sensitive time for New York after September 11th, so I feel if I manage to get there and fly the flag for Wales it will be showing solidarity with the USA, as well as helping a very good cause.

Jackie needs £200 to guarantee her entry into the November marathon, and she is hoping that business people in Narberth, who supported her so well last year, will be equally generous. Her aim is to raise over £3,000.

Backing her all the way are local police, particularly her friends at Narberth Police Station, where she used to help out as a civilian volunteer.

Said Temporary Inspector Wyn Evans, of the Tenby Division: We are fully supporting Jackie in her fundraising for this very important charity, and are sure that the community will do the same.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Jackie in the New York Marathon can contact her on 07765 340422.