A CHARITY set up in memory of a rugby player with strong Tenby connections is to be the focus of fundraising this year for the town's Rotary Club.

The Ian Williams Foundation, which works in conjunction with Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), was established last year following the tragically sudden death of 27-year-old Ian.

He was a talented tight-head prop, fulfilling his dream of becoming a professional rugby player, when he collapsed and died whilst training for English championship club, Doncaster Knights.

Ian's dad, Phil, is the treasurer of Tenby Rotary Club, and so club president Tom Cullen felt that the Foundation would be entirely appropriate as his chosen charity for his year of office.

A £1,000 donation has now been made to the charity from money raised by the club over the past year, with further fundraisers planned. The foundations will also be given the proceeds from the Rotary Club wishing well on Tenby High Street.

The donation was included in nearly £7,500 of cheque presentations made by the club recently as a result of their three main annual fundraisers - two Harbour Spectaculars and fireworks display.

Good causes to benefit included Parkinsons UK (£400), Wales Air Ambulance (£300) and the Paul Sartori Foundation (£300), as well as local schools and Rotary charities.

Tenby Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at the Fourcroft Hotel at 8pm and welcomes new members. For more information, contact Tom Cullen on 07970 870505 or t.e.cullen@btinternet.com