“His smile was priceless!”

Well, you really stepped up to the plate and delivered over the past 24 hours!

Following our appeal yesterday to give young Joseph Pugh a Christmas to remember, dozens of our wonderful readers dug deep to raise over £1,000.

It has taken the appeal total to £2,170 (at 8am) as friends bid to plan something special for Joe in the New Year.

Sadly Joe, 17, returned to Queen Elizabeth Hospital yesterday, but he did so with a smile on his face knowing that the town is right behind him as he continues his inspirational battle against a range of serious health conditions that he has faced since he was born.

Organiser Cheryl McIntyre, who launched the appeal with Sharon Morris, said the response to the MyWelshpool article had been “absolutely phenomenal”.

“I’ve been buzzing all day,” said Cheryl, as she watched the total grow through the day. “The response has been overwhelming. The kindness shown by so many is truly humbling.

“I spoke to Joe earlier on FaceTime and he was feeling a little subdued as he has spent the weekend at home and was struggling with the reality of having to return to his hospital room.

“I told him about how much we had raised and more importantly how many people in the community were behind him and wishing him well. His smile was priceless.

“Spoke to Hayl (Hayley Pugh, mother) and she too is overwhelmed by the generosity and support shown to them and really can’t thank everyone enough.”

To donate to the appeal, please click Joe's fundraiser.