FORMER Steps star Ian 'H' Watkins joined a Newport charity walk yesterday.

The Welsh celebrity joined kidney patients, their families and friends and the mayor of Newport, Councillor Miqdad Al-Nuaimi and his wife for the four-mile Walk For Life around the city in aid of Kidney Wales Foundation.

The 31-year-old, who grew up in the Rhondda, said he decided to get involved because a close friend had suffered from renal failure.

"It can affect anyone at any age," he said. "This is a really good cause and I wanted to get involved in any way I could."

The star found fame as H with the pop group Steps and finished fourth on the Channel 4 show Celebrity Big Brother earlier this year.

Organiser Maureen Hendon is one Newport resident whose life has been deeply affected by kidney failure, and recently under went her fourth kidney transplant.

"Kidney disease affects so many people," said Mrs Hendon, 45, of Llewellyn Grove, Malpas.

"We really hope this makes people more aware of the charity and of the need for kidney donation."

The more than 50 walkers left the Newport Centre for their walk along the banks of the River Usk, passing the Riverfront Theatre and crossing the new footbridge.

Kidney Wales raises vital funds and awareness for kidney research and patient care across Wales and is currently celebrating 40 years of successful fundraising.