THE little brother of a Harlech man who died from a rare medical condition has raised hundreds of pounds for a charity working to find a cure for the disease.

Liam Ashton died on 14 March, 11 years after being diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, a type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart.

His brother Oscar, who is 13, has raised over £400 for Pulmonary Hypertension Association UK by carrying out a sponsored head shave. The money is part of a JustGiving page set up in Liam’s memory which currently stands at over £2,000.

Clare Ashton, Liam and Oscar’s mum, told the Cambrian News about Oscar’s fundraiser and why his charitable nature is similar to that of his older brother.

She said: “We talked about raising money for a while after Liam died, we were thinking of ways to do it and then we didn’t mention it for a couple of weeks. One day Oscar came in from school and said that he wanted to raise money by shaving his hair off.

“At first he wanted to raise £100 for the charity, he’s now raised over £400 just from shaving his head.

“Oscar was very close with Liam, he looked up to him a lot. Oscar is very similar to his brother, he likes helping people and to make a difference.”

Clare was supportive of Oscar’s idea to shave his hair, as she explained.

“I’ve always been a mum who, when my children want to express themselves, I’ve been all for it. Liam was the same. Years ago, to raise money for the cadet group he was part of he bleached his hair blonde.

“We are looking to do more fundraising. Liam wanted his ashes to be scattered on Snowdon so we were thinking of doing this on his birthday in September. We have thought of turning this into a fundraising event for the charity.”

She added: “The charity is amazing. The research they do is incredible and they are always working on and bringing out new treatments.

“The disease is so rare, it’s usually found in women over 60 but Liam was only 19 when he was diagnosed.

“It is currently incurable but they are always looking to carry out more research. The charity was so close to Liam’s heart.

“Liam did nothing but give, and Oscar wants to be able to help in any way he can.

“Oscar may not have his brother anymore, but he wants to raise money for the charity who are working to keep people around.”

To donate towards the fundraiser, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/liamashton-hughes