A Wrexham man is giving back to children in hospital this Christmas after finding a new lease of life following a very challenging time.

Gareth Williams from Acrefair is raising funds to enable him to gift presents to children at Wrexham Maelor Hospital this December.

After struggling with his mental health and grief following the loss of his close friend, John Walker, who passed away from sarcoma cancer in 2015, Gareth finally found his true purpose with running.

The 43-year-old joined the Chester Road Runners and started training with the couch to 5k. In just six months, Gareth has lost over four-stone and is now running a mile in just over seven minutes.

After turning his own life around, he now wants to give back to others in need.

See his fundraiser here.

The Leader: Gareth turned his life around for the better and now wants to help othersGareth turned his life around for the better and now wants to help others (Image: Gareth Thomas)

Gareth said: "As you know Christmas is a time of giving and being around loved ones. I feel for those that don’t have that privilege at this time due to various circumstances. 

"So this Christmas I’m going to be going to visit the children at the Wrexham Maelor hospital, and other hospitals around North Wales who have cancer, terminal illnesses, and other illness types. 

"I’m going to be gifting them with presents and talking to them to make that day a bit more magical. I believe a smile can go a long way and that moment can make a difference for the rest of their life. 

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"I believe if I can make change, and you can make change then together everybody can make change. I’m trying to get as many people involved and bring the community and community spirit together."

Gareth is raising funds for the Blue Sky North Wales foundation which supports all NHS services across North Wales to enhance the experience of patients.

With a target amount of £1,000, every donation counts towards reaching his goal.