A HALLOWE’EN fundraiser was held for a nine-year-old muscular dystrophy sufferer at the Rivermead Centre, Rogerstone today.

The event was held in aid of Aaron Stephens, 9, from Risca, who was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a debilitating and painful muscle wastage illness, at the age of three.

Aaron’s father, Adrian Stephens, 47, and his aunt, Joanne Parsons, 46, have been fundraising for the charity Action Duchenne for many years.

Now, they are in the process of setting up Aaron’s own trust to try and raise money for aids and equipment. So far, the pair have raised £5,000 in Aaron’s name.

Mrs Parsons said she has been humbled by the reaction of the local community, with many Rogerstone residents volunteering to help with the Spooktacular.

She said: “I felt like a fool dressed as a witch as I was waiting for a lift, but I was the most excited person here when the gates opened at 4pm.

“People have been so generous and so kind. Even if you just take the raffle, there are some incredible prizes that have been donated.

“On the day, we’ve had so many people here to help us set the marquee and decorations up. It really was bigger than expected and we’ve been so lucky with the weather. I cannot thank people enough.”

Food was provided by Taste of Wales mobile catering at the fundraiser and among the activities featured were £2 discos, themed game stalls, face painting, and a bumper raffle.