Prior to being struck down with Multiple System Atrophy our father, Gareth Williams (Sam) epitomised everything the word MAN could. He was a giant of a man in every sense of the word, a true legend on the rugby field.....the type of man everyone dreams of emulating.

This was a man that despite being born in Bedlinog who had the blue and white stripes of Bridgend RFC through his core. It's no understatement to say he bled blue and white. Making 507 appearances in the blue and white strip he scored a record 133 tries, totalling 532 points for the club....a record (for a forward) that still stands to this day and is unlikely to ever be beaten.

He was capped by Wales on five occasions during the early Eighties and perhaps his biggest sporting achievement came during the 1980 British & Irish tour of South Africa where despite being uncapped at the time he was called out to the tour, playing in six games where the Lions were undefeated!

Sadly this debilitating condition took dad from us on the 12th May 2018 at the tender age of 63, far too young. He will rightly be remembered for his sporting prowess and in the days and weeks since his passing he's been described as a gentleman, a legend, an inspiration to name a few but to us, as a family, we remember the warrior, the courageous man we saw after his diagnosis, never taking a backward step, never faltering or complaining.....that's the man that sums him up. A gentleman, a warrior and a legend.......our father.......Sam.

Dad built his own sporting legacy, squeezing more into his 63 years than most do within a lifetime. We now plan to continue that legacy, raising money for the charity that aims to find a cure for the condition that ultimately took his life (MSA Trust)

Initially we're encouraging people to participate in 10k in memory of dad, be that by walking, running, swimming or crawling. We've had medals designed for every participant and have set entries at £15. Once you've signed up (deadline is the 31st August 2018) please email us your details so we know where to send your medal - email sam571msa@outlook.com, DM us on Twitter @sam571msa or contact us on facebook - Sam571