ABOUT 15 years ago Cwmbran man Michael Williams set himself a target – to raise £50,000 by the time he reached the age of 50 for Cancer Research Wales.

Now after more than 22 sponsored truck and double-decker bus pulls, two tug of wars, three boxing bouts, three marathons and even a solo freefall sky dive, the 49-year-old forklift truck driver has achieved his mission.

And it’s all been for one special reason – in memory of his father Ron and mother Helen who both battled different forms of the disease.

Mr Williams’ father Ron died from lung and brain cancer in 1988, while his mother died from lung cancer in 2005.

Mr Williams, who set himself the challenge back in 1990, said: “I’d go 10 rounds with Mike Tyson if it brought my Mum and Dad back.

“I don’t have guidance in life and just have to get on with it. This keeps their memories alive and is my way of coping.

“I’m no different to any other working-class man and I just wanted to do something to help people in their memory.

“It’s soul destroying to see someone die from cancer and I’ve channelled that experience through my charity work.

“Anyone can achieve anything when they put their mind to it. It’s about turning the negatives into positives and if the money raised saves one life I’d be happy.”

Mr Williams’ final challenge was a boxing bout against Bristol’s Rob Clotheir for the undefeated title at Mo Nasser’s Boxing Academy in Pill on March 28.

It was just Mr Williams’ third boxing bout and despite three gruelling two-minute rounds, the Cwmbran man came out on top.

He said: “Boxing was the hardest challenge as it was so hard to get hit and hit back. It was very challenging and nerve-racking, but I just went for it.

“I believe my Dad was in there helping me as in the last round, I had nothing left.

“I was just doing it by instinct but when the chips were down when I was younger, my parents always helped me and that’s still the case today.

“Coming out a winner is an awesome feeling and while my head wants to go on and do more, the tools don’t and my body aches.”

Having previously completed the Great North Run and the London Marathon twice, Mr Williams hopes to run the New York marathon in the future to complete the set.

He is also helping to train the next generation of weightlifters at Goodes Fitness & Sports Centre in Cwmbran.