Tributes have been paid to ‘true Tenby boy’ Gareth Scotcher who sadly lost his long standing battle against Motor Neurone Disease on Friday.

Gareth was diagnosed with the debilitating condition in 2003, and ten years later, against all the odds he won a legion of admirers across the nation when he paired up with his good friend Nicky Rees to take on the Long Course Weekend in Tenby.

Dubbed the ‘Iron Beaver’ because of his childhood nickname Gareth took on the LCW’s swim, cycle and marathon, not just for personal gain, but to raise money for charity and most importantly show everyone that no matter your disability or personal problems - with a little help from your friends and loved ones you can achieve anything you put your mind to!

Gareth took to the sea off North Beach for the Wales Swim in a kayak towed by Nicky, while in a recumbent tandem the pair competed in the Wales Sportive and for the Wales Marathon, Gareth was pushed in a sports buggy.

The duo touched the hearts of the people of Pembrokeshire and beyond, and when they crossed the marathon finishing line among those to congratulate them first was the Mayor of Tenby, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane, (proudly sporting a ’Backing the Beaver’ t-shirt!)

Clr. Mrs. Lane paid tribute to Gareth this week.

“I, and the town as a whole, was deeply saddened to learn of Gareth’s passing,”?she said.

“His courage and unfailing good humour in coping with his condition was an inspiration to all.

“Throughout Gareth was never heard to complain and always kept fighting to live life as fully as possible, which is one of the reasons he was admired by so many people.

“We remember him as a true ‘Tenby Boy’.Gareth passed away at Withybush Hospital on November 2, aged 48.He is survived by his children Dylan and Daisy, father and mother Dudley and Shirley, brother and sister-in-law Gavin and Tracey, and grandmother Jill.The funeral service will take place on Thursday (November 15) at St. Mary's Church, Tenby, at 12.30 pm, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 1.45 pm.There will be family flowers only, with donation if so desired to 'My Name'5 Doddie Foundation' (MND Research) c/o Funeral Directors W and MJ Rossiter and Sons, The Old Rectory, Tenby.