TRIBUTES have been paid to a Newport man who fought against three brain tumours while raising funds for his disabled son. 

Anthony Hard collected thousands of pounds with his family and wife Nahella to support their son Casey, who suffers from severe epilepsy, cerebral palsy and spastic quadriplegia. He died earlier today. 

The Hards’ charity, Casey’s Cause, provided Casey with specialised equipment, including a hot tub for hydrotherapy. 

Mr Hard first underwent surgery to remove a tumour in April 2012, and then again in February 2013 when the disease returned. An aircraft engineer in the Royal Air Force, he was stationed in Afghanistan in 2011 when received his first diagnosis.

Former school friends from St Joseph’s School made a video to support him. And he attended a reunion with classmates with his wife after his final diagnosis, which gave him between three to six months to live. 

Mr and Mrs Hard held a ceremony to renew their wedding vows on their 13th wedding anniversary in August. 

Rugby stars Shane Williams and Jamie Roberts and Gwent athlete Jamie Baulch also created their own videos for Mr Hard marking his military service over recent months.

A friend, Richard Lakey, wrote on Facebook: “R.I.P Anthony Hard , somebody I've know for around 8 years or more, you were an inspiration to many always smiling no matter what was put to you !! You served and fought for our country, you will be sadly missed by lots !!! May ‪#‎HARDASNAILS‬ continue FOREVER !! R.I.P Mate X."

Mr Hard leaves his wife, son and daughter Regan.