A 90-YEAR-old great-grandfather who has fought off cancer is walking around his garden to raise money for Awyr Las - NHS charity in North Wales.

Tom Williams, who turned 90 on Friday, May 8, is walking one-mile every day until lockdown ends.

Mr Williams, of Denbigh, was inspired to take on the challenge after seeing Colonel Tom Moore efforts.

The former branch manager for the Midland Bank - now HSBC - had Lymphoma and underwent treatment in 2018. He is currently in remission and as part of his challenge, is keen to show his appreciation for the support and help he received from the ‘wonderful’ staff at Glan Clwyd Hospital.

Mr Williams, who is self-isolating with his wife Doris in their bungalow, said: “Having received excellent cancer treatment at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd last year, I have set a target of walking one-mile each day until the end of this lockdown."

Mr Williams, who has three sons, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren with another due in two months time, had an initial fundraising target of £500.

He has already doubled this and raised more than £1,400.

Son Elfed Williams said: "To complete the daily challenge, my father has to go round the garden 24 times using two walking sticks. It takes him about 45 minutes to complete the task.

"My father is one of the numerous people that has received a letter from the Welsh Government asking to shield himself. He has not been out of the house except in his garden.

"I go shopping for him once a week and he has deliveries from the local shop in Middleton Park and from J H Jones butchers in Denbigh.

"In his younger days, my father enjoyed playing golf and walking the hills above Llanrwst, and after moving to Denbigh - the Clwydian Range.

"He walked up Snowdon on his 80th birthday.

"He started helping out at the Denbigh Foodbank in January 2015 but had to stop when he started his cancer treatment.

"He had started to help again at the beginning of this year but again, he had to stop when this virus reared its head."

Llyr Huws Gruffydd, North Wales AM, who knows the Williams' family and is supporting Mr Williams's efforts, said: "The nurses and doctors across North Wales have worked tirelessly to defeat this virus and it is excellent what Tom is doing to raise funds for Awyr Las.

“It does not surprise me that Tom wants to give something back for the support he received at Glan Clwyd Hospital.

“He has always worked hard in his local community and until this lockdown, he helped out in Denbigh’s Food Bank. He now wants to show his appreciation to those that supported him during his illness.”

For his birthday on Friday, the family were able to enjoy a Zoom call.

Elfed said: "We had arranged to meet as a family in Ruthin Castle for a meal but naturally, that had to be cancelled.

"We met online using Zoom to have a chat and to wish my father a happy birthday. This worked out well.

"My father's intention is to carry on walking until the lockdown is lifted, which could be many more months, but he enjoys the daily walks and the exercise - he says it is good for him."

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tomwilliamsdinbych