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A 90-year-old man from Bargoed has raised nearly £1,300 after completing a charity walk in memory of his late wife.

Brian Arthur took part in the MS Society UK charity walk in Bute Park, Cardiff on September 23.

His late wife Lita died at the age of 89 on Christmas Day 2022, having had the condition.

Mr Arthur, who served in the RAF as a Senior Aircraftman and worked for most of his life at Swtichgear in Pontllanfraith, completed the one-kilometre walk with his daughters, Lorraine Arthur and Sue Beach.

Sue, 63, who lives in Cefn Hengoed, told Caerphilly Observer: “It was brilliant.

“They were cheering him coming across the finishing line.”

Speaking about what it meant to her father, who used to walk “everywhere” Sue added: “It was special for him because he can’t walk far any more.”

Mr Arthur now has arthritis and uses a walking stick but was “over the moon” after reaching the finish line and perhaps equally as pleased with the amount of money raised so far.

Sue continued: “He said ‘nobody will sponsor me because I can’t walk far,’” – something which is clearly not the case given Mr Arthur’s JustGiving page has already raised £1,270.

The fundraising walk is one way the MS Society UK raises money and awareness for the condition, which affects more than 130,000 people in the UK, according to MS Society UK.

People taking part in the walk could either complete a 1km, 5km or 10km route with money raised going toward MS research.

This is something which is still very much needed, according to Sue who said: “MS is one of the charities that gets missed.”

MS is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance, according to the NHS.

Mrs Arthur had progressive MS – where the condition begins with mild symptoms that slowly get worse.

“My mother was very intelligent,” said Sue, “everything was there mind-wise but she couldn’t do things with her body.”

Mr and Mrs Arthur were married for 63 years after first meeting at the tennis courts in Ystrad Mynach Park.

Mrs Arthur was diagnosed when she was 59 and lived with the condition for 30 years – something that affected the whole family and played a part in Mr Arthur wanting to highlight the condition.

“Dad has lived with the MS,” said Sue, “he used to go to meetings with her.”

This didn’t stop the couple from visiting places such as Canada and New Zealand.

“Mum was a fighter, she fought for everything,” added Sue.

Sue and her family didn’t “have a clue” about MS when Lita was diagnosed, something she thinks is a wider problem.

“I think it’s still under the radar as a condition,” she added.

There were times, according to Sue, when a lack of awareness meant that people misinterpreted her mother’s condition.

“People would make fun of her thinking she was drunk,” said Sue, “it’s awareness.”

For Sue, the walk that took place in Cardiff – and other cities such as Bristol and London – was a sign that things can change for the better.

“It was so motivating to know that it was being recognised,” she said.

While Mr Arthur was “exhausted” after the walk, he’s already got back up on his feet and may do more things for the charity in the future.

Sue added: “I felt very proud of him…very emotional.”