FUNDS for the Ken Jones Statue Appeal keep on coming with donations from the local community and a former leader of the Labour Party. Curves Pontypool member Nicola Witcombe raised £41 for the appeal by selling her cross-stitch Disney pictures to fellow members.

Ms Witcombe found out about the Ken Jones Appeal when Curves Pontypool held a one-hour zumbathon in aid of the appeal. She took part in the event that raised £202.76, and this inspired her to do her own bit for the fund.

Following the appeal committee's trip to Westminster on St David's Day to formally launch the appeal, former Islwyn MP Neil Kinnock, donated £100 to the fund.

Speaking at the launch event, Lord Kinnock, said: "Take all the modern heroes you can think of and roll them into one and you have some idea of what Ken Jones meant to people of my generation. Ken was a part of the healthy rugby rivalry between our valley communities.

"However, the respect for the greats like Ken transcended that and rugby fans from right across Wales and beyond can unite to pay tribute to him."

The fund raising committee is hosting a boxing event at the Workmen's Hall, Blaenavon on May 25 at 7pm.

Ringside tickets cost £15, or £10 for other areas, and are available from the Workmen's Hall, The Neon and Blaenavon RFC.

For more information, or find out how you can become a sponsor for the event, contact Alan Jones on 07979990006.

WE ARE appealing for local people to get involved to make the dream of a tribute to Ken Jones a reality.

If you are planning to organise an event to raise money for the appeal, we want to hear from you.

Email hayley.mills@gwent-wales.co.uk or call Hayley on 01633 777 278.

To donate to the appeal, cheques need to 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.