FRIENDS and family of a popular local man who lost a brave battle with cancer walked from Wrexham to Llangollen in his memory.

Wayne Phillips, from Caia Park, died on July 12 of this year, after an 11-year fight against a brain tumour.

A father-of-one, Wayne was a hugely popular member of the local community and tributes flooded in following the sad news of his death.

And on Sunday, September 12 - the two month anniversary of Wayne's death - friends and family walked from Wrexham to Llangollen to raise money for a memorial bench and also for a trust fund for his cherished young daughter, Maggie.

The Leader: Wayne's partner, Julie, and his daughter, Maggie, (pictured right) amongst those to take part. Wayne's partner, Julie, and his daughter, Maggie, (pictured right) amongst those to take part.

It is hoped that a bench will be purchased and place on the top of the panorama in Llangollen - one of Wayne's favourite places.

A testament to Wayne's popularity was that 99 people attended the walk - including Wrexham mayor, Councillor Ronnie Prince.

The Leader:

Wayne's sister, Amy, set up a fundraising page for the event.

It says: "Please sponsor these amazing people as little or as much as you are able to do so, and for anyone who wishes to join the walk then please contact us for further details.

"Wayne will walk beside you on the day, in the hearts of everyone he loved dearly, YNWA (You'll never walk alone)."

It has raised just shy of £1,500, and can be donated to by clicking hereThe Leader:

Wayne's partner, Julie Billington, said: "As a family we are overwhelmed by the response to the fundraising and the amount of people that turned up on Sunday.

"It was a fantastic day and Wayne would be so proud to everyone involved.

"There were 99 walkers, and 100 with Wayne as he was with us all the way."