A FORMER Blaenavon couple now living in the United States of America have donated a generous £500 to the Ken Jones statue appeal.

Ken and Beryl Phillips, sent the cheque with a letter saying that they used to live in Blaenavon but moved from the area 31 years ago and now reside in Nevada, USA.

Through their friends in Wales they were made aware of the appeal for donations and as Mr Phillips remembers watching the exploits of Ken Jones as a young boy he wished to contribute.

The donation is a great boost for the committee, which is working flat out to raise the £85,000 needed for the tribute to the former Welsh rugby legend and Olympic athlete.

Committee secretary and Blaenavon RFC chairman Alan Jones said the donation was a great boost. “It feels like the project is moving forward and there is a lot planned to raise money with schools and social clubs getting on board to help.”

Last week the Free Press wrote to all primary school sin Torfaen asking them to get involved. And headteacherat Hillside Primary School, Debbie Woodward, attended the committee meeting last week to express her interest in the project.

She hopes to raise awareness of the appeal to staff and pupils and hold some fundraising events.

Ysgol Bryn Onnen, the Welsh speaking primary school in Torfaen, have also arranged a rugby-themed dress-up day on October 21, with every pupil paying £1 that will be donated to the project.

A social evening is to be held at the Elgam Workmans Club on October 21 and Blaenavon RFC are also planning on holding an event to raise funds.

Blaenavon Choir will stage a concert in September next year for the project and the committee have arrange a boxing tournament, at Blaenavon Workmans Hall, on December 2. More details to follow in the Free Press.

Ken Jones was born in Blaenavon and is best known for his winning try against the All Blacks in 1953 but also enjoyed a successful career as a sprinter.

Help make tribute dream reality

WE are appealing for as many local people to get involved as possible to make the dream of a tribute to Ken Jones a reality.

If you are planning to get involved we want to hear from you, email hayley.mills@gwent-wales.co.uk or ring Hayley on 01495 751133.

Cheques can be made out to ‘Ken Jones Memorial Fund’ and posted to the care of Lewis Freeman at 52 Thornhill Close, Upper Cwmbran, Torfaen, NP44 5TQ.