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From left, Roger Van Praet, Tony Williams and Dave Manuel.[/caption]
FARMERS' Union of Wales Montgomeryshire area officer Tony Williams and his son-in-law Dave Manuel have made an emotional train ride to boost the union's charity fund for Cancer Research Wales (CRW).
Tony lost his daughter to breast cancer in December 2010 and he is recovering from prostate cancer.
He secured two tickets to ride on the footplate of a Ffestiniog Railway steam locomotive running between Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog by offering the highest amount when they went up for auction among FUW members.
The generous donation of £300 made by Tony will go towards FUW president Emyr Jones's CRW appeal fund.
"Cancer, especially breast and prostate cancer, has been a major upheaval in our lives over the past two or three years, which is why we were more than happy to donate to the fund," said Tony.
"And, of course, Dave and I also wanted to ride on the footplate which turned out to be such a fantastic experience.
"Raising money for Cancer Research Wales is something worth doing and we can only encourage others to raise as many funds for this charity as possible," added Tony.
FUW deputy operations director and Ffestiniog Railway volunteer driver Roger Van Praet approached FR general manager Paul Lewin and was delighted to be given the two coveted footplate passes to ride on the engine for the day for auction for CRW.
"The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways work closely with our farming neighbours and are delighted to be able to support the FUW's chosen charity, Cancer Research Wales, in offering the passes for auction," said Mr Lewin.