A DOG’S death has sparked a fundraising appeal, raising more than £1,500 to bring light to families in Gambia.

Presley, a 16-year-old Welsh Terrier, passed away last week after a two-year battle against a bladder tumour.

He was something of an internet sensation, with 500 likes on his Facebook page and people watching his videos thousands of times.

His owner, Mei Catherall, runs a charity which mostly funds itself through salsa dance teaching and aims to provide free and safe light to people in Gambia.

Since his death, fans of Presley from across the world have been donating to Dance2Learn.

Mr Catherall, of Bassaleg, said: “At the moment we have raised around £1,560, which is enough money to bring Wakawaka lights to nearly a thousand people. Each light costs about £15 and can help up to nine people.

“These lights mean the children are not reliant on kerosene, and avoids the dangers posed by naked flames, as well as the unaffordable cost of candles.”

The 52-year-old, who is part of the Welsh Terrier Fan Club, said he started taking videos of Presley after his tumour was diagnosed two years ago.

“I keep a diary and when he was diagnosed I asked myself ‘what I am really going to miss’.

“I started recording the really boring things, like playing with toys or running down the stairs.

“I put the videos on Facebook for myself, but people started to comment and got interested.

“They began to tell me they were looking forward to seeing his posts.

“It has been very emotional, I didn’t realise Presley had become such a popular dog.

“People have been sending us lovely presents, along with the donations, including a model of Presley.

“We have had cards from all over the world.”

Mr Catherall said he had Presley for nearly 16 years, and they travelled the world together.

“It seems people who have lost an animal feel they can’t be sad,” he added.

Dance2Learn has helped more than 900 people in Gambia have free, safe light for 10 years.

The charity also helped provide water and electricity for a school of 3,500 students and mosquito nets for 600 others.

To find out more about Presley, visit facebook.com/Presleybarks

To donate, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/D2L-ChristmasLights