Caring Ffion carries off new prize
SHE was an inspiration in 2020 and 2021, finished the year by meeting the Queen – and now she has gone and started 2022 by winning another special award.
By any standards, it has been a remarkable couple of years for Llanelli actress Ffion Gwyther, 25, from Furnace. She also managed to fit in performances at the Edinburgh Festival for Hijinx Theatre.
During lockdown, Ffion developed a large online following with her “Ffion from Furnace” videos, taking on a different character every time and documenting her own Covid lockdown journey, including encouraging others to have their vaccination.
She usually signed off her videos on YouTube and Facebook with the phrase, ‘Cwtsh in and have a drink!”, something that is on the verge of becoming a national catchprase in Wales.
Ffion’s latest award was a special ‘Who Cares Wins’ trophy at the Child of Wales Awards ceremony.
Ffion’s mum Susie Hamill, who attended the awards with Ffion and family friend Jayne Howarth, said afterwards: “I honestly, don’t know where to start. Ffion, Jayne and I had the most incredible evening.
“Huge thanks to the (Child in Wales) team for a wonderful evening at the Child of Wales Awards.
“Everything about the evening was perfect, but with such a terrific atmosphere it was destined to be amazing.
“I’m not going to wax lyrical. The photos will speak for themselves.
“Her night was made by meeting Gavin and Stacey ‘Gwen’ actor Melanie Walters, and dancing with TV presenter Gethin Jones (host of the awards night).
“And Jason Mohammed (TV and radio presenter) has requested a ‘Ffion from Furnace’ sketch of his own!
“Well done, Ffion Gwyther! Tim Hamill and I could not be prouder. Massive thanks to my ‘minder’ for the event, Jayne Howarth.”
Last year, Ffion received the Aneurin (Nye) Bevan and People’s NHS Award for exceptional contribution in the category of Morale and Welfare.
The year also saw Ffion asked to attend the state opening of the Welsh Parliament in the Senedd in Cardiff Bay.
Ffion attended as one of a number of “community champions” nominated by members of the
Senedd for the work they did in their community during lockdown.
Ffion was chosen to hand a posy of flowers to the Queen when she arrived at the Senedd.
Ffion’s acting career so far has included appearances in Sky’s TV series Stella.
The citation for Ffion’s Aneurin (Nye) Bevan and People’s NHS Award award read: “Ffion has captured so many hearts with her regular video and social media posts produced throughout the various lockdowns.
“Ffion demonstrated an outstanding commitment to finding ways to raise the spirits of those facing the incredible hardships during the several lockdowns endured throughout the country.
“She realised that many might not understand the changing guidance on restrictions and presented a regular and light-hearted information service for all.
“The films were produced at home and feature Ffion as a different character daily, giving the latest update offered using humour and fun to support her message. If you have not seen any of her clips, do take a look.”
Ffion’s videos can be found at https://www.facebook.com/ susie.hamill.35/videos_by