Eirlys is the CEO and Founder of the Sir Gareth Edwards Cancer Charity. This wonderful cause gives financial support to young people aged 15-35 in Wales, who are undergoing cancer treatment.
Eirlys the dog lover
“Wil would be in youth custody if he were a human and I love that about him.”
Firstly and most importantly, do you have any dogs?
I am from a farm in Ceredigion, West Wales so I’ve always had a dog. I now have an Italian Greyhound with a sprinkle of Whippet in him called Wil.
Describe your dog in three words?
Skinny, sleep and scatty (a bit like me really)!
What do you love the most about your dog?
Wil is always the most badly behaved dog (I call it character). He will be the one nicking food, peeing in people’s houses and escaping over garden fences. He would be in youth custody if he were a human and I love that about him.
Eirlys the Philanthropist
“The most inspirational people I have ever met are young people who have lived through or have lost their lives to cancer.”
Can you describe the work you do for the Sir Gareth Edwards Cancer Charity?
I’m the CEO and Founder. I gave myself the title because nobody else would have given it to me. We raise money and give the money to young people aged 15-35 in Wales who are going through cancer treatment. The money helps them pay for things like petrol to get to hospital, bills, childcare and wigs after chemotherapy treatment. We’ve given almost £100,000 directly to young people so far.
What is the biggest challenge you face?
Trying to be cool on the charity Instagram when you’re ‘old’ and evidently not cool (I don’t even think it’s cool to say cool anymore).
How can we do better?
Companies who want to support young people in Wales who are going through cancer could just give me a shout and say ‘here’s some money – please give it to young people who are going through Cancer’.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
Being able to personally ring almost 400 young people who have Cancer and say that we are putting money into their bank accounts to help them out. I am so lucky to be able to do this.
We also have brilliant ambassadors like Jac Morgan (Welsh Rugby), Lauren Price (World Champion Boxer), Elfyn Evans (Toyota World Rally Driver), Martyn Williams (Welsh Rugby) and Eleri Sion (Radio Wales). I went to see Lauren fight in the Royal Albert Hall. I don’t usually follow boxing, but I travelled to London with a pair of pants, a toothbrush and a Welsh flag in my bag and ended up shouting like a Welsh woman possessed. It was incredible to watch her win, and I am seriously fangirling.
What are your goals for the next 5 years?
To give out more money to young people going through cancer. Lots more.
Can you name any individuals who have inspired you along your journey?
Tough one. The most inspirational people I have ever met are young people who have lived through or have lost their lives to cancer. Some face the end of their lives in their 20’s, just think about that. As much as I admire successful business owners (especially the kindest ones who donate to the charity) my inspiration will always lie with these incredible young people.
What’s your favourite book?
Any book that involves a psychopathic serial killer.
“Coffi Lab support the charity and we like them a lot.”
When you visit Coffi Lab, what’s your go to drink?
We recently had one of our board meetings in Coffi Lab where we were joined by Ruth Jones from Gavin and Stacey – she has been lovely to the charity. I always have an Oat Milk Latte so that was lush but we also left with cakes, pens, notepads, balls, travel mugs and dog bandanas! We left the chairs (too heavy). Coffi Lab support the charity and we like them a lot.
Find out more about the Sir Gareth Edwards Cancer Charity, and how you can support here.
