A grandfather is organising a sponsored walk in memory of his wife who died of cancer.
Les Lavender and a group of friends are walking the 22 miles from the Millennium Stadium to his local pub, the Kingfisher, Thornhill, to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
The 70-year-old of Trannon Court, has been raising funds for the charity since his wife Jean died of kidney cancer in November 2005.
Mrs Lavender was 67 when she died at St Anne's Hospice, Newport, after battling the disease.
"Cancer is a wicked disease," said Mr Lavender.
"I know what it does to people. I've lost my father and my wife to cancer and its an awful thing to go through.
"I wouldn't want anyone to have to go through that. That's why I raise money for Cancer research, to try and help people."
This is the fourth sponsored walk the pensioner has take part in.
"Last year we did a sponsored 24 hour walk around Thornhill and raised more than £8,000," said Mr Lavender.
"I hope that we raise a good sum of money this time round."
The sponsored walk is not the only fundraising event being organised to raise funds for the charity.
Mr Lavender is also organising an Easter bonnet parade, disco and bar-be-que over the Easter weekend at the Kingfisher pub.
"I have got a few things planned, including a pub olympics and a sponsored was," he joked.
When asked about his training regime, he said: "I don't bother training, I never have.
"I don't wear jogging stuff, I just wear my yellow jacket, so everyone can see me."
But for now, Mr Lavender is putting his feet up before the big day and spending time with his four children and five grandchildren.
First published on www.thisisgwent.co.uk|