An Ammanford-based pharmacist has completed the first step in his mission to raise £1,000 for a brave American youngster.

Spencer Lawrence, who works at Margaret Street Pharmacy, is determined to help four-year-old Hudson Lillystone, who lives in Atlanta and is the daughter of a family friend.

Hudson was diagnosed with Pre B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in November 2013 and is currently undergoing chemotherapy.

“Hudson is the same age as my daughter so this resonates particularly strongly with me,” said 38-year-old Spencer.

“She's a real trooper and when she goes for chemo she wears superhero costumes to help her in her fight.”

The fundraiser, who had not been swimming for 20 years before June, competed in the Gower Sprint Triathlon last weekend to raise money for Hudson.

Despite having already raised £800, Spencer has pledged to shave off his hair if he raises £1,000 by October 1.

He said: “I know how lovely the people of Ammanford are but have really been taken aback by everyone's generosity.

“My current sponsorship so far is just over £800 which is just awesome - I'll need to oil the clippers ready I think.”

Spencer plans to continue fundraising by entering ToughMudder North West, a 12-mile all-terrain assault course designed by the British Special Forces, on September 13.

He is then set take part in the Survival of the Fittest Wales, a 10km urban assault course around Cardiff, at the end of September.

Donations can be made at teamhudsonstrong.deco-threads.com or directly at Margaret Street Pharmacy.