A woman’s tale about a late beloved family pet has raised more than £1,000 for terminal illness charity Marie Curie.

Gina Williams, whose husband Gwyn receives support from Marie Curie, donated £1,101.25 to them last week.

Recalling how the unique fundraising idea came about, Gina said that when their cat Monty was put down 11 years ago, the couple were heartbroken.

“We’d had him for eight years, he was a ginger and white fluffy cat – and he was the boss,” she said.

“He was our baby, we both idolised him, it took us a long time to get over his death.

“I started writing down the stories about Monty, and decided I would put them all together and gave it to Gwyn on his 71st birthday.

“The book – entitled Monty’s Tale – was then put away and forgotten about.

“My daughter was helping me clear out the office room, when she came across the book.  I could hear her giggling in the other room, and when she showed me the book, she said I should get it printed.

“I started thinking about it after a while, and that’s what started the ball rolling.

“Now my daughter has helped me put it into a digital file. Her workplace has helped put it together.”

Gina, of Blaenporth, added that it “came naturally” to raise funds for Marie Curie through the book, which is dedicated to Gwyn – and that she has even received some fan mail!

See this week’s south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now