A TORFAEN pensioner whose wife has dementia parted with his long locks in his bid to raise money for research into the condition.

More than 30 people watched as 78-year-old Bill Weaver, who had his last haircut 15 months ago, parted with his hair at Pontypool Indoor Market.

Mr Weaver, of Stanley Road, Garndiffaith, married his wife Julie 52 years ago next month, and has become her carer since she was diagnosed with dementia two years ago.

Members of the public were invited to donate money for each cut, with all money set to go to dementia charities and research facilities at Cardiff University.

Fundraising began at the nearby Tesco where a raffle was held in partnership with store staff.

Mr Weaver spoke at the market of his gratitude for those who had come to support the campaign.

He said: "We are here today because we want a cure for this disease, we don't want carers - we just want our loved ones to be cured."

Mr Weaver added that the people of Pontypool had responded positively to his campaign and that he was glad that 'everyone was smiling'.

It is hoped that the ongoing fundraising will match that of his son Stuart, who raised £700 for Children in Need by shaving his hair.

Mr Weaver previously told the Argus: "I would like to raise £1,000 ideally for my ‘Bill Weaver fights dementia with Cardiff University’ as we are fortunate to have perhaps to most hi-tech piece of brain scanning equipment at the university."

The Mayor of Torfaen, Cllr Veronica Crick, who was one of the first to cut Mr Weaver's hair, said: "This is such an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of this terrible disease, and the money raised will only serve to help what is a worthy cause."

Torfaen MP Nick Thomas-Symonds, also in attendance, also praised Mr Weaver for his fundraising efforts for a cause 'close this heart'.

Mr Thomas-Symonds, who admitted that his great-grandfather had had the disease, said: "We all seem to know of friends or family who have suffered through this terrible disease.

"These events show that we can all make a real difference, and that's precisely what Bill is doing today.

"The funding that the research will receive will make a fantastic difference."