A CWMBRAN man who built up his strength after being bullied as a child has helped to raise more than £700 for the Amber Hartland fund.

Mike Williams (pictured), 37, of Pontnewydd, pulled a double decker bus filled with children 50 metres to raise sponsorship money for Amber Hartland.

He said that he wanted to do something to help Amber, who was diagnosed with infantile tay-sachs, a rare genetic disorder, earlier this year.

He said: "I have done lots of charity work and I saw Amber and just thought that I would do all I could."

Mr Williams says he started weightlifting at 14 after being bullied. He came third in the world at a weightlifting competition eight years ago. He said: "I know I am strong and this is one way that I can help other people. It gives me such a buzz to help."

He said that pulling the bus, which weighed approximately nine and a half tonnes, was one of the hardest things he has done but also one of the most enjoyable.

The challenge took place in Cwmbran Asda car park.

He said: "It was tough, especially because the bus was full of children, but the support was fantastic and it was a great day that I loved.

"My aim is to raise £1,000 for the fund and the money is still coming in at the moment. "When I see people who need help and money needs to be raised then I just want to help in the best way I can."

Mr Williams, now weighing in at 17 stone and four pounds, said: "Soon I will be starting to train for the Great North Run in September which I am doing to raise money for cancer research.

"As long as I can and am able to do charity work I will."