I MUST ENJOY MY TIME FOR FAMILY
Irfon Williams documents struggle
“FEAR knocked at the door. Faith answered. No one was there.”
Those were the words a Gwynedd cancer sufferer tweeted as he faced the latest in a series of major operations last year.
In a special documentary, S4C cameras have been following a year in the life of a man and father who’s captured the hearts of the nation in his determination to live life to the full despite his illness.
47-year-old Irfon Williams, who has been battling colon cancer for three years, is facing death.
The cancer has spread to his lungs and abdomen and he is left with only a quarter of his liver following numerous operations.
Despite this, he is determined to help others and was keen to make this programme to share his experiences. The documentary also reveales he is currently writing a book, documenting his journey since he received the diagnosis.
“The filming was difficult at times, but I felt strongly that I wanted to make this programme,” he said.
“It focuses on us as a family and how we cope with the emotions we have to go through. I think raising awareness of cancer is important, so that people aren’t afraid to talk about the subject.
“I hope the programme will help other people who are, or have been through the same experiences.
“People will see another side of me – the personal, emotional side, rather than the activist, or the person who has tried to make a difference.”
“I was also very keen to document part of our journey on film for the future, especially for my children – to create something for them to look back on and remember,” added Irfon, who is father to five children: Lois, 22, Owen, 19 and Beca, 16 from his first marriage, and Siôn Arwyn, seven, and Ianto Huw, six from his marriage to wife Becky.
Since being diagnosed, Irfon has become well known throughout Wales and beyond for his tireless work with his campaign Hawl i Fyw, winning the right for cancer patients in Wales to have access to Cetuximab – a drug used to treat colon and rectal cancer.
His charity, Tîm Irfon, has raised over £150,000 for Ysbyty Gwynedd’s Alaw Cancer Ward.
The campaign work has offered a means for Irfon and his family to come to terms with his situation, and to face day to day life.
“When a doctor tells you there’s a chance you won’t live, it’s not easy to digest, but on the other hand, it makes you think about life.
“It’s so important to enjoy every day, the little things.
“It’s imperative I enjoy the time I have – not only for me, but to give the children and Becky memories to treasure,” said Irfon.
The programme also highlights the impact of the situation on Becky and how a young family have to prepare mentally and emotionally for major treatments and the uncertainty that comes hand in hand with the condition.
Viewers also share their Christmas, Irfon’s birthday celebrations and a special trip to watch a Wales v Italy rugby international in Rome.
Before having cancer, Irfon worked in the mental health field, as North Wales Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Manager for Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board.
Even while battling his illness, he has continued to work within the field, setting up his company, “Hanner Llawn” (Half Full), offering talks and training on mental health issues.
“Men tend to be bad at being open about their emotions, especially when they suffer with a disease like cancer,” he said. “There’s no shame in crying and showing your emotions, and I feel very strongly that people should be more open about how they feel.
“I think it’s important to raise awareness about this and to encourage people – especially men – to be confident enough to say ‘I feel low, or I’m afraid, or I’m concerned about the future’.”
And although the future is a constant concern for Irfon and his family, through this personal documentary, it’s clear that the present is precious and that life is worth living.
O’r Galon: Irfon has been produced by ITV Wales and will be shown on S4C on Sunday May 7 at 9pm. English subtitles will be offered, with the programme later available on demand on the BBC iPlayer and other platforms.