FORMER rugby player and Olympic athlete, Ken Jones, was on the minds of the younger generation in Torfaen as they went red in the name of fundraising for the appeal.

Pupils who attend Blaenavon Heritage Voluntary Controlled Primary School, based at Hillside Primary School and St Peters Church in Wales Primary sites, Cwmffrwdoer Primary and Ysgol Bryn Onnen joined part of the fundraising campaign to raise money for the statue of Ken Jones.

As previously reported in the Free Press, a committee, whose members include Blaenavon RFC chairman Alan Jones, local resident Lewis Freeman and town councillors Stuart Evans, Pauline Whitcombe and Roy Harris, was set up to get the ball rolling for the statue of Ken Jones.

Ken was born in Blaenavon in 1921 and died in 2006, aged 84. He is best known for his winning try against the All Blacks in 1953 but also enjoyed a successful career as a Olympic sprinter.

It is believed that the project could cost as much as £80,000 for both the commissioning of the artist and materials for the statue.

Financial backing has already been rolling in and currently stands at £9,820 but it is hoped that with the local community getting on board then the project could soon get closer to its target.

Night of fundraising for statue cash

A FUNDRAISING night at the Elgam Workingmen’s Club raised a fantastic £550 for the Ken Jones statue appeal.

Speaking on behalf of the committee Secretary Alan Jonnes thanked Sandra and Phil Denton and all involved in organising the event.

“It was a marvellous night, raising £550,” he said.

“We appreciate your help in fundraising for this very worthwhile cause. It was a truly magnificent evening and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

“It is great to see the community becoming involved in this project for Blaenavon’s and Wales’ most famous sportsman.”

The committee would also like to thank Mrs Palmer and Mr and Mrs Harris for their donations.