A COUPLE from Griffithstown are trying to trace the childhood friends of their son who died following a battle with Multiple sclerosis.

Huw Davies, 77, explained that 40 years ago on October 15, 1974 six Griffithstown youngsters, including his son, Stephen, who was 15 at the time, did a sponsored snakes and ladders marathon for charity.

The event was reported in The Free Press of Monmouthshire on October 25, 1974, along with a photograph of Stephen and three other boys, who were all members of the St Hilda’s Youth Club- Stuart Smallwood, John Pavett and Alun Watkins.

Mr Davies explained that Stephen had been living in Aldershot, and died on June 23, at the age of 55, after battling MS since his mid twenties.

As his funeral was held in Hampshire, Mr Davies and his wife Fran, are holding a memorial service in St Hilda's church, Griffithstown, on October 25 at 2.30pm, and hope to find those that took part in the marathon.

Mr Davies added: “We hope to get hold of people that he knew growing up- fellow pupils, friends and teachers.

“We want to share his life with people who knew him in his childhood.”

Stephen attended West Monmouthshire Comprehensive School, and left home at 18 to attend university, before enjoying a 10 year career with BT, while living in Aldershot.

In his twenties, he was a keen sports player, including football and bowling, but began having trouble with his knees, which led to his MS diagnosis.

Mr Davies said that despite his son spending a lot of time in hospital, he always remained positive.

The Free Press article details that the snakes and ladders marathon took place at St Hilda’s Hall in Griffithstown in aid of the Jenny James appeal.

Free Press Series: SEARCH: Copy of the original article showing the Stephen Davies (right) and friends (Supplied by Gwent Archives)

Jenny was a nine year old girl from Sebastopol who had been born with a heart defect, and her parents were raising money for her to have advanced heart surgery at a hospital in Bordeaux, France- £4,000 was needed and many local organisations raised money.

Twelve people took part in the fundraiser and they were members of St Hilda’s Youth Club, Griffithstown.

As well as the boys, who were photographed on their 150th game of snakes and ladders, there were seven girls listed as playing- Jayne Jenkins, Linda Lewis, Linda Wallbank, Rhiannon Jones, Angharad Jones, Julie Morris and Ann Evans.