A SCLEDDAU pensioner has braved the shave to raise money and awareness for Diabetes UK; a cause very close to his heart.

Mervyn Hawkins' grandson, Liam Jones, died after falling into a diabetic coma in October 2016.

Liam had been diabetic since he was 18 months old and was later responsible for Mervyn's own diabetes diagnosis.

"It was my grandson that first found out that I was a diabetic," said Mervyn. "He was testing himself one day so I asked him to test me. I had to go to the doctor and tell him I was diabetic."

Mervyn lost his locks last Saturday, April 14, which would have been Liam's 23 birthday.

"He died young, but he enjoyed his life," he said of the former Ysgol Bro Gwaun pupil who lived in Fishguard and Newport.

Mervyn decided a sponsored shave was the best way he could continue his family's recent tradition of raising money for Diabetes UK.

"I can't swim and I'm not what you call fit," he said. "So I thought the only answer for me was to grow a beard until his birthday and then shave it all off."

As well as raising funds he wants to raise awareness of diabetes.

"I think everybody should know what to do if a person goes into a diabetic coma," he said.

"Liam's friends were not educated in what to do if someone goes into a coma. I hope all the money I raise will go towards educating people."

Victoria Jones at the Hair Studio, Fishguard, was responsible for Mervyn's new do, which so far has raised £600 for Diabetes UK, ringfenced for use in Wales.

"Thank you for the good job you have done," said Mervyn. "And also to all the people that have made donations, it makes an old man very happy. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart without your support I would have never made it."

To contribute to Mervyn's fundraising visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mervyn-hawkins.