FUNDRAISING for charity in memory of a Torfaen man who lost his fight against Lupus is nearing £30,000 thanks to family and friends.

On September 28, 2013, Rhys Parker, 36, lost his fight against Lupus (SLE) a condition where his immune system attacked his healthy cells, tissue and organs.

Since then, his widow, Emma, family and friends have been raising money for two Lupus charities, Lupus UK and Hibbs Lupus Trust, by taking part in a host of activities including cycle rides, zip wire challenges, a skydive and runs.

Fundraising continues to go strong, with £20,000 being raised in 2014, and £9,195, being raised this year.

Mrs Parker, 40, who lives in Llantarnam, described the fundraising total as “amazing”, adding that she “couldn’t believe” how much had been raised.

She said: “Family and friends have just been doing events without me asking so it shows just how well thought of Rhys was.

“We are hoping to continue fundraising next year and I really can’t thank everyone enough for getting involved and how generous everyone has been.”

Some of the highlights of 2015 include Jill Morgan climbing Kilimanjaro in February and raised £4,028, in May Tim Lane completed the Belfast marathon and raised over £500, in July Nathan Bridger and Julian Sanders did a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and ran a marathon to raise £1,280.

In October, Mrs Parker and Jo McDonagh ran the Cardiff Half Marathon and raised £650.

She explained the family also received the “heart-warming” news in October that the Hibbs Lupus Trust has launched the Rhys Parker Memorial Award for people who dedicate their time to raising awareness of Lupus.

Also, Mr Parker’s former school, West Monmouth Comprehensive, has launched an award in his memory.

This will be given to pupils for their sporting achievements, due to his interest in sport.

Mrs Parker added: “It just means so much to us that he won’t be forgotten.”

In 2013, Mrs Parker spent their eighth wedding anniversary at the bedside of Mr Parker who had fought heart and kidney problems as a result of the illness, but she said he never complained.

On September 20 that year, Mrs Parker returned home to find her husband not breathing.

He had suffered a heart attack, and while ambulance crews stabilised him, he remained in a coma and died eight days later.

Mr Parker, from New Inn, was diagnosed with the condition in 2000, at the age of 23.

The couple met in New Inn and they got married on September 23, 2005.

But he became ill not long afterwards and despite being on medication to control the condition, his kidney function was dropping.

By 2012 his kidneys had deteriorated and doctors were unsure if his heart could cope with a kidney transplant, the following year he died from a heart attack.