Life-long best friends from Tywyn are fundraising to support their friend, who suffers from Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Rob H Pughe, 52, attended Tywyn primary school with Phil Wragg and Sean Kelsey.

The three boys went on to meet other close friends, Steve Batty, Rob S Pughe and Geraint Evans, during their time in Ysgol Uwchradd Tywyn from 1979 to 1985.

In spite of the time, the group have remained close.

Rob H was diagnosed with MS in his early 30s, and his friends have now decided to fundraise to ensure that Rob had the best quality of life possible.

Sean told the Cambrian News how the friends starting fundraising late last year.

He explained: “I put the details up on Facebook on late Sunday evening and by late Monday afternoon we’d achieved our initial goal of £3,500.

“The donations from Rob’s friends and family in Tywyn were fantastic. By the end of the first week we have over £5,000!

“The generosity of the Tywyn community was inspiring.”

Phil added: “We have all been best friends for over 45 years from our first years in school.

“When I now look back at our time growing up I realise how lucky we really have been finding true friendship that will last forever, Sean, the two Robs, Fudge [Geraint], Batty and myself.

“So it’s been a natural thing to try to help one of our own, one of our brothers if you like.

“It’s only what he would have done for any one of us.”

To donate to Rob Pughe’s cause, go to the JustGiving page.

See this week’s north editions for the full story, in shops and online now