Neath Port Talbot Hospital nurse Eirian is named Carer of the Year

A nurse who looks after his wife who is living with cancer has been named Wales’s Carer of the Year.

Eirian Evans won the Nation Radio Pride of Wales Award after being nominated by staff at Maggie’s cancer centre in Swansea.

The award is presented by the radio station in recognition of a carer who goes the extra mile each day to ensure the well-being and comfort of those in their care.

Dad-of-two Eirian is an advanced nurse practitioner working in elderly care at Neath Port Talbot Hospital.

“Winning this has come as a massive shock,” he said. “It is an honour, but there are other people out there who are much more deserving.”

In 2018, his wife Rachel was treated for breast cancer. After being given the all-clear the following year, she returned to work as a staff nurse.

But in February last year Rachel became unwell and was diagnosed with incurable cancer.

In addition to supporting his wife, Eirian has responsibility for the couple’s two daughters, Annie and Ellie, aged 12 and 16. He is also a member of the RNLI Port Talbot lifeboat crew.

He 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.”

Because of the care Rachel receives at the Chemotherapy Day Unit in the South West Wales Cancer Centre, part of Singleton Hospital, Eirian will be taking part in the 2024 Jiffy’s Cancer 50 Challenge.

This is a 50-mile bike ride, led by Welsh rugby legend, Jonathan “Jiffy” Davies, raising funds for the South West Wales Cancer Centre and Velindre Cancer Centre.

It takes place on Sunday August 18^th and will follow a route from Cardiff City Stadium to the Lighthouse restaurant in Swansea’s Bracelet Bay.

“I’m a member of the Celtic Tri triathlon club and so far 40 of us from the club have signed up for it,” said Eirian.

“I wanted to do it because the staff at the chemo day unit have been wonderful with my wife. They’re absolutely superb. Rachel is so full of praise for them.”

The 50-mile ride should not be too much of a challenge for him as, when he has time, Eirian takes part in marathon and Iron Man competitions.

He recently completed the Long Course Weekend in Pembrokeshire – a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile cycle and a marathon over three days, using the opportunity to raise money for Maggie’s.

Tara White, Maggie’s Centre Head for South Wales, said: “The main reason we felt Eirian was deserving of this award was because he puts everything and everyone else first, with no complaints.

“He has continued to work full-time as an advanced nurse practitioner whilst supporting his wife, Rachel, through various difficult treatment regimens and his two children.

“We're also aware that in addition to this Eirian volunteers for the RNLI. We've often witnessed him supporting other people around the kitchen table when using Maggie's.

“He always seems to be thinking of others and their well-being.”

Clive Morris, Lifeboat Operations Manager, added: “I am thrilled that Eirian has been honoured with this award. He has shown exceptional dedication and bravery.

“The award is testament to his unwavering commitment in caring for his wife and providing a stable and loving environment for their daughters. We are all so proud of Eirian.”

Follow this link to find out more and sign up for the 2024 Jiffy’s Cancer 50 Challenge.