A FAMILY fun day will be held in Torfaen in memory of a father who was known for serving food to the community from his burger van.

Matthew Groves, 43, died on October 21 last year at St Anne’s Hospice following a battle with illnesses including diabetes and heart disease.

His son, Rhys, age 22, explained that he wanted to do something to remember his father and to raise money for charity and chose to start organising a fun day.

He said: “I told my family about the idea and they have all helped me to organise it.

“When I started I thought it would be quite a small event with just family and friends but it has grown and now there could be near 200 people going.”

Mr Groves explained that his father is known in the community for operating the burger van MG’s catering that would visit local markets.

He described his father, who lived in Abersychan, as very hands on and he would always be making things for the garden and building things and doing tasks for family and friends.

The event, which will take place on June 20, 10.30am to 5.30pm at Garndiffaith RFC, includes a bouncy castle, dance groups, stalls, a barbecue, balloon race, and rodeo.

The raffle for the event has 29 prizes with the top three being £500, a bed and breakfast stay for two people and a family ice skating ticket.

The event has been sponsored by the company Traxium, which is providing security and staff to help run the event.

Entertaining the crowds will be the band The Apple Tree Theory who will be performing for free.

Mr Groves said: “I hope we can raise £4,000 and if the weather is good I hope the community comes out and supports the event.”

All of the money raised will go to the St David’s Foundation who cared for Mr Groves.