NEWPORT transport bus driver Ray Cripps is preparing to walk more than 16 miles dressed as Santa in memory of a young Bettws man.

Mr Cripps 46, will walk from Cardiff Castle to Bettws Rugby Club next month in aid of the Lymphoma Association.

The father-of-two is organising the walk in memory of Dave Murphy, who tragically died from lymphatic cancer when he was just 24 years-old in 2007.

Dave’s father Paul will be walking with Ray and more than 20 fundraisers.

"Dave was a lovely lad and best friends with my son Ashley, 26," said Mr Cripps.

"It was terrible when he died at such a young age. None of us will ever forget him," he added.

Mr Cripps, of Medway Court, Bettws, hopes to complete the walk within five hours and has been training for eight months, walking around ten miles a day.

"We’re very proud to be organising this sponsored walk on 12 December in aid of the Lymphoma Association and hope as many people get behind us as possible.

It really is a fantastic cause and it’s wonderful that everyone at Newport Transport has been so generous in their support by donating more than £200," he added.

To sponsor Mr Cripps contact 07791869174 or 01633 857090.