A PORTHMADOG man, who suffered a stroke at the age of 29 that left him paralysed on the right side of his body, has climbed the highest mountain in Wales and England for charity.

Former postman Stephen Williams, now 36, who is known locally as Skip, suffered a stroke at home in 2009 and spent several weeks in hospital in Walton recovering.

His friend, Stuart Hughes, who has known and worked with Skip for over 10 years at Royal Mail, said he was left in complete shock following Skip’s sudden and unexpected stroke.

He said: “Before his stroke Skip was a very active person, he was very into his football and played for Llanystumdwy Football Club.

“He had only played football the day before on the Saturday, then the Sunday he went out with the dog, came home put the kettle on and then that is the last thing he can remember.

“He was flown by air ambulance to hospital in Walton where he stayed for a number of weeks and a lot of the time his condition was touch and go.

“Sadly the stroke left Skip completely paralysed on the right-hand side of his body."

This year Royal Mail has chosen to support and fund-raise for the Stroke Association and one of the fund-raising events organised saw staff members tackle the gruelling walk up Snowdon.

Mr Hughes said Skip, who volunteers in Porthmadog Post Office, was adamant he wanted to take part in the fund-raiser.

See the full story in this week’s Arfon/Dwyfor edition of the Cambrian News