IEUAN Thomas Yendle died three years ago on Saturday - but his parents' pain at their teenage son's untimely death is being eased by the response to a charity set up in his name.

The Ieuan The Lion Memorial Fund, set up 18 months ago by his parents Wayne and Rosemary Yendle, from Pill, Newport, aims to raise more than £45,000 for a specially-built static holiday home caravan, to be sited in west Wales, to enable disabled children and their families to have a much-needed break.

So far, around £17,000 has been raised through scores of events in and around Newport, and Mr Yendle said he and his family derive much comfort from the "fantastic" response.

"The charity has taken on a life of its own really, it's hard work, but Ieuan is our inspiration," he said.

"As a family, we benefited from being able to get away for breaks with Ieuan, with the help of charities, when he was ill. That's what we want to be able to do for others, through the fund."

A musical evening at Newport County's Bar Amber earlier this year, at which X-Factor finalist Andy Williams was among the performers, raised more than £1,700, while a bucket collection at a rugby match between the Newport-based ONS (Office for National Statistics) and the UKIPO (Intellectual Property Office), brought in £127.50.

"Out of the blue, we also got £410 from Kerry Silcox, postmistress in Llanmartin, and Anne Gray, the general store manager there, which they'd raised in the village. That was fantastic," said Mr Yendle.

"That's the sort of thing that raises our spirits - we are very grateful to everyone who organises things for us and donates to the fund."

Teen succumbed to terrifying illness

IEUAN was just 13 years old when he succumbed to a terrifying illness that robbed him of his mobility, speech, sight and ability to eat, over a three-year period.

Its origin has baffled experts however, and biopsy and other samples have been sent to America in the hope that one day someone will be able to find out exactly what killed him.

"That's the hardest part, not knowing, and the memories of what he had to go through are very strong," said Mr Yendle.

"Hopefully one day we will get some answers from somewhere."

Ieuan loved singling, dancing and fashion, and was a big fan of the film and musical The Lion King, which is behind the fund's name.

For more information on the fund, visit www.ieuanthelion.com or contact Mr Yendle on 01633 676286, mobile 07584 133198, e-mail wayne@ieuanthelion.com