The generosity of a group of north Pembrokeshire fundraisers has been praised by a man who lost his wife to motor neurone disease (MND) last year.

John Forrester and his wife Gill were regular visitors to Pembrokeshire, especially Mathry where John’s sister Jill Kane lives. In 2008 Gill was diagnosed with MND and battled the disease for nearly four years.

“Gill’s biggest fear was being forgotten,” said her husband John. “She made me promise that I would do as much as I can to raise awareness of this wretched illness.”

John’s sister, Jill, has been helping fulfil that promise.

“It was devastating to watch my sister-in-law deteriorate in the way she did,”

she said.

“A lot of people don’t realise what a devastating illness MND is. There is no treatment, absolutely nothing.

“The thing that inspires you is to try and raise awareness and money to find a cure for this awful illness.”

Jill started with table top sales and car boots before enlisting the help of Mathry WI.

Members raised £560 at a recent coffee and craft sale at Priskilly Golf Club which was given to the local branch of MND fund raisers.

“I never expected to raise that sort of money,” said Jill.

“It was such a team effort.”

Her brother John paid tribute to local fundraising efforts, which also includes £100 raised by a collection at the Cemaes Area WI carol concert.

“The people of Mathry and surrounding area have been wonderful in raising funds for research into MND,” he said.

“It is so difficult for me to fully express my gratitude to all the members of the WI involved who made so many wonderful items that were sold at the event.

“Thank-you will never be enough for people who care and support.”