A GOLDEN couple from Penygroes have handed £1,200 to attack victim Paul Pugh after they requested donations rather than presents on their 50th wedding anniversary.

Eric and Olive Davies celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on April 3 and the kind-hearted couple invited friends and neighbours along to a tea-party at their house in Bridge Street from 2pm to 11.30pm.

“We held an open house day on the Friday where around 100 people come along to congratulate us,” said Olive.

“We couldn’t believe how many people came along and donated, even Paul and his mum Nesta Pugh came along to help us celebrate.

"Both Eric and I would like to thank everyone that sent cards, flowers and good wishes and, of course, the donations."

Last Wednesday as part of the #PaulsPledge campaign Paul gave an inspirational talk to pupils at Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth and Eric and Olive went along and presented him with the cheque.

“I am very grateful to Olive and Eric for their generous donation,” said Paul.

Eric added: “Olive and I have seen the hard work both Paul and Nesta put in with the local police to carry out such a strong message.

"It is our pleasure to be able to give something back to them.”

Paul's Pledge was launched in Carmarthenshire last December and is led by 34 year-old, who is still suffering the effects of a vicious, unprovoked attack on a night out eight years ago.

Despite the fact that he will never fully recover from injuries that left him having to learn how to walk and talk again, Paul has used his experience to campaign against alcohol-fuelled violence.

Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth pupil Sian Davies, 18, said the talk "was an eye-opener".

“After watching the film, it really makes you think,” she said.

“Before today I didn’t know anything about Paul, but it is something that will stick with you, I will be telling my friends about it.”

Six-former Dafydd Jenkins said: “I’d heard of Paul’s Pledge but haven’t seen the video, it was quite hard hitting and shows the reality of what can happen if you are not in control while drinking.”

Paul Pugh continues to take his message around schools in Carmarthenshire.