IRFON WILLIAMS
1970-2017
Tributes to Gwynedd man who so bravely fought illness and raised tens of thousands for charity
THE widow of cancer campaigner Irfon Williams has spoken of her anguish of having to share the news of his death.
The 46-year-old father of five, who was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer in 2014 which later spread to his liver, died in hospital last Tuesday.
His wife Rebecca posted on Facebook: “I am heartbroken to share the news that my adored husband Irfon passed away peacefully yesterday evening with me by his side.
“In his final weeks he has been nursed at home surrounded by those who love him. There has been no battle lost to cancer, his body became tired but his mind was as strong as ever until the end.”
The former nurse and mental health manager from Bangor launched the #teamirfon campaign shortly after being diagnosed, raising more than £150,000 to support patients on Ysbyty Gwynedd’s Alaw Unit through North Wales NHS Charity, Awyr Las.
At the end of last year Mr Williams received the devastating news his cancer had spread to his lung and abdomen as he and his family prepared for his death. He has had 50 chemotherapy sessions, one round of radiotherapy and five operations.
Mrs Williams added: “Throughout, Irfon faced his illness with courage and dignity. A gentle person, Irfon never complained and always used his situation to help others.
“He pushed his body to the limit to accept any treatment that would buy him as much time as possible. Every second counted for Irfon, who was so full of life. For anyone who knew Irfon, life was always fun when he was around.
“As completely devastated as I am at losing my beloved husband, I feel so, so fortunate and very proud to have been able to spend the past 10 happy years of my life with him.
“We were a solid, devoted partnership, he has been my best friend, my biggest supporter and always made me feel completely adored. We lived life to the full whilst always laughing together. We have been lucky and found a stronger love than most find in a lifetime.
“A dedicated and proud father of five, Irfon has left me with our beautiful children – a gift that will provide me with strength to get through this most painful and empty feeling of grief. My focus now will be to ensure our two boys will become men he would be proud of.
“Thank you for everything my Irfs, Nos da Cariad.”
Since #teamirfon was launched, an estimated 8,000 people have contributed to the fundraising campaign helping to reduce the likelihood of people with cancer and their families suffering from mental health issues.
An S4C documentary recently captured the highs and lows of his life after cameras followed him for a year.
At the time, Mr Williams said: “The filming was difficult at times, but I felt strongly that I wanted to make this programme. 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 others who are going, 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.”
Since being diagnosed, Mr Williams – father to Lois, 22, Owen, 19 and Beca, 16, from his first marriage, and Siôn Arwyn, seven, and Ianto Huw, six, from his marriage to Rebecca, 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 cancer drug Cetuximab.
His funeral will be held at Bangor Cathedral at 2pm on Wednesday June 7, followed by a strictly private committal at Bangor Crematorium. No flowers by request of the family, but donations kindly accepted towards #teamirfon and Hospice at Home.