RELATIVES of a Newport rugby hero who died last weekend are to donate cash raised at his funeral to help fund a brain operation for a fellow player. Glyn Davidge, the former Newport, Wales and British Lions player, died at the age of 72 after a short illness.

Now, in a fitting tribute, his family have offered to give all donations in lieu of flowers to Simon Henson.

Mr Henson, a former Newport Saracens and Hartridge High School Old Boys rugby player, is desperate for a brain operation that could ease a crippling condition.

As we revealed, Mr Henson suffers from dystonia, a condition that has left him with painful spasms and a permanently twisted neck.

The former fitness coach and keen rugby player is unable to work and rarely leaves his home.

He is fighting a Health Commission Wales decision not to fund a £25,000 procedure at a hospital in Oxford, and friends have launched a fundraising drive to pay for the deep brain stimulation that could ease his pain. Mr Davidge's family were moved to help Simon after reading about his plight in the Argus.

Chris Westerberg, 48, Glyn Davidge's nephew, said: "I played for the same team as Simon - Hartridge High School Old Boys - and I have had a drink with him on a few occasions. He's as good as gold.

"I saw the story in the Argus and I didn't realise he was that bad. I thought with Simon being an ex-rugby player it would be a good tribute to my uncle to help him."

Simon Haslett, 41, Mr Davidge's stepson added: "What's happened to Simon is a tragic story. We thought it would be a good idea if something good could come out of Glyn's death. They were both keen local rugby players and we think this is a good tribute."

Mr Davidge's widow Pat Davidge, 72, said Glyn, as a passionate rugby player, would have been "delighted" with the idea.

Mr Henson said: "I think it's absolutely superb, unbelievable. The response since the Argus article has been amazing, and I can't thank people enough."

l Mr Davidge's funeral will be at St Teilo's Church, Vaughan Williams Drive, in Alway, Newport, on Wednesday March 29, at 3pm. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made payable to TJ Davies and Sons. Call 01633 258656.