Man from Swansea named Carer of the Year
Eirian Evans cares for his wife who is living with cancer alongside working as a nurse at Maggie's cancer centre in Swansea
Eirian Evans was awarded the Nation Radio Pride of Wales Award after being nominated by the staff at Maggie’s cancer centre in Swansea.
This award, presented by the radio station, recognises a carer who goes above and beyond to ensure the well-being and comfort of those in their care.
Eirian, a father of two and an advanced nurse practitioner in elderly care at Neath Port Talbot Hospital, has been a pillar of support both professionally and personally.
His wife, Rachel, was treated for breast cancer in 2018 and, after being declared cancer-free the following year, returned to her job as a staff nurse.
However, in February last year, Rachel was diagnosed with incurable cancer.
Balancing his professional responsibilities and his duties as a devoted father to their daughters, Annie and Ellie, aged 12 and 16, Eirian also serves as a member of the RNLI Port Talbot lifeboat crew.
Eirian said: "I have a lovely wife and two lovely daughters. Rachel’s diagnosis hit the family like a ton of bricks.
“But I took the oath when we got married, in sickness and in health, and ‘til death do us part, and that is what I do.
“Rachel has weekly chemotherapy sessions, so she sometimes has very difficult days, and I promised to look after everyone in the house.
“But I did not think I deserved this award because there are lots of people in the communities of Wales who care full-time and are more deserving.”
Inspired by the care Rachel receives at the Chemotherapy Day Unit in the South West Wales Cancer Centre at Singleton Hospital, Eirian will participate in the 2024 Jiffy’s Cancer 50 Challenge.
This 50-mile bike ride, led by Welsh rugby legend Jonathan “Jiffy” Davies, aims to raise funds for the South West Wales Cancer Centre and Velindre Cancer Centre.
The event will take place on Sunday, August 18th, following a route from Cardiff City Stadium to the Lighthouse restaurant in Swansea’s Bracelet Bay.