A TV star is set to walk 764km in memory of his boxing champion nephew and father-of-one who died earlier this year.

Huw Davies, better known by his stage name Ifan Huw Dafydd, is aiming to raise £5,000 for Ty Hafan children’s hospice and the Jac Lewis Foundation, a Welsh charity that boosts awareness of suicide and supports bereaved relatives.

The Goldie’s Oldies, Holby City and Indian Doctor frontman paid tribute to his ‘smiley and mischievous’ nephew Rhys Tom or ‘Twm’ who was a Llandysul-based Welsh boxing champion and talented rugby player.

Before he died in March this year, Twm was set to run the London Marathon to raise money for Ty Hafan in memory of one of his childhood friends – but never got to compete.

His uncle Mr Davies, aged 69, is set to walk the 764km through the countryside of northern Spain from the Camino Frances to Santiago de Compostela over August and September.

He said: “Our family lost one of its colourful characters. A son, a brother, an uncle, a husband-to-be and father to little Celyn.

“An hour in his company left you exhilarated. The smile, the mischief, the leg-pulling. His smile and the naughty twinkle in his eye will stay with me forever. At 31, Twm was far too young and far too precious to leave us.

“Losing him knocked me for six.”

He has nearly hit his target and has so far raised £4,982. To contribute, go to the fundraising page.