Welsh cancer drug campaigner dies with beloved wife at side
ACANCER campaigner, who used his own fight to highlight the plight of cancer patients in Wales and to raise funds for treatment, has died.
Irfon Williams, 47, had been diagnosed with the disease three years ago and had to move to England to access treatment that was not available in Wales.
On Thursday morning, 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.
He raised 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 that his cancer had spread to his lung and abdomen leaving him with only a quarter of his liver as he and his family prepared for his death.
He has had 50 chemotherapy sessions, one round of radiotherapy and five operations.
Mrs Williams said: “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 and for anyone who knew Irfon life was ALWAYS fun when he was around.”
She said: “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 last 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 xxx “
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.
A recent S4C documentary – featured in the Western Mail’s Week End magazine last month – was broadcast capturing the highs and lows of Mr Williams’ life after cameras followed him for a year of his life.
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 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.”
Irfon is father to five children: Lois, 22, Owen, 19 and Beca, 16, Siôn Arwyn, seven, and six-year-old Ianto Huw.
Since being diagnosed, Mr Williams became 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, raised more than £150,000 for Ysbyty Gwynedd’s Alaw Cancer Ward.
Mr Williams said at the time: “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 imperative I enjoy the time I have – not only for me, but to give the children and Becky memories to treasure,” said Irfon.