Man dubbed 'the Welsh Captain Tom' dies aged 95

BBC Rhythwyn Evans standing outside a brick wall painted with a rainbow. He is wearing a v neck maroon jumper, a light coloured shire and a white brimmed hat. He is holding a cane in one hand and had his right hand holding his left wrist BBC
Rhythwyn Evans walked 91 times around his house on his 91st birthday to raise money for the health service

A farmer who walked around his house 91 times on his 91st birthday to raise money during the pandemic has died, aged 95.

Rhythwyn Evans from the Ceredigion village of Silian, near Lampeter, died on Friday at his home "with his family around him".

Dai Charles Evans said in a post on social media that his father died "after a happy, long life and wonderful health until the last few months".

Mr Evans celebrated his 91st birthday on 18 April 2020 by walking around his house on Tan-y-Graig farm the same number of times as his age, raising more than £50,000 for Hywel Dda Health Board charities.

His walk was inspired by a similar fundraising campaign by Captain Tom Moore, who walked along his garden 100 times before his 100th birthday.

"Rhythwyn was the kindest, most interesting man I have ever met," said his daughter-in-law Eryl Evans.

"He has been an example to all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren on how to be human.

"He was a remarkable man, he was the cornerstone of the family, he was the cornerstone of the community - he just epitomised what a person should be within the community."

She said he chaired community council and was involved in farming discussion groups and local shows.

"His opinion was always very considered and thoughtful he would never have said anything for personal gain, it was always the community," she said.

Mrs Evans said the family is proud of his fundraising achievements.

"I've lived to a ripe old age so now I want to give something back," Mr Evans said at the time of his challenge

At the time of his walk, Mr Evans said: "I've lived to a ripe old age so now I want to give something back to the area I have always lived."

Mr Evans spent time at Bronglais and Tregaron hospitals, as well as Allt y Mynydd care home in Llanybydder, before returning home last week.

He also had to be cared for in hospital after a fall last summer, his son said.