5 March 2021

Ryland Teifi is a familiar face to S4C's Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol viewers, as a member of the series presenting team but this week Ryland will share a personal experience with viewers of losing his Dad, Garnon Davies to Covid-19.

In a special interview Ryland, originally from Ffostrasol, will discuss the shocking phone call he received with one of the doctors at Glangwli Hospital saying that his father's condition was deteriorating and that it was best for him to travel from his home in Ireland to Wales as soon as possible.

But unfortunately, it was too late and while Ryland was travelling back to Wales on the ferry about an hour from the port of Fishguard he received a message to say that his Dad had died.

"It all started in November when Dad went into Llandovery Hospital.

"He was transferred to Glangwili Hospital and although he was ill there was no threat to his life at the time, and then within about two weeks we received a phone call to say that things were deteriorating." said Ryland

"I've been on that ferry so many times, travelling back and forth between Wales and Ireland.

"About an hour from the port, I noticed that the light was brighter than usual over the sea and I had a terrible feeling than I was too late.

"I had received a text from my wife Rósín, telling me to phone after arriving at the port, and I knew then that he was gone."

Ryland's sister was also at Glangwili Hospital at the time battling cancer, and according to Ryland it was much more difficult for her in many ways as she was under the same roof, but unable to go to see her father.

"The fact that Dad has been without a family, it's the hardest thing I think as well as the fact that Dad has been alone at the end.

"One of the most difficult things is also being unable to grieve with other people, unable to hug, shake hands, share stories, laugh and cry.

Lowri and Cifa, Ryland's daughters, who had been unable to attend the funeral because of the travel restrictions, said, "We had recorded a song to play at Tadcu's funeral, and it was so nice to know that our voices were heard at the funeral.

"We just wanted to be there and give Mamgu a hug."

During the programme Ryland will also meet Delun Evans, a Nurse from Glangwili Hospital who looked after Garnon during his final hours.

"We knew how important music was to your Dad" says Delun.

"I knew he was listening even if there was no response. I played Lili'r Nos, Mi Glywaf Dyner Lais, and Dros Gymru'n Gwlad had just started playing when he took his last breath."

"That means so much," says Ryland. "The fact that you played his favourite songs and that he could hear my voice, gives great comfort. I really can't thank and all the nurses who cared for him enough."

And in reflecting on the difficult situation of dealing with grief during lockdown, Ryland hopes that communities will once again be able to come together to grieve together, and that this period will be commemorated.

"I'm actually sharing the story of thousands of people." says Ryland

"One thing that drives us forward is the hope that we can come together.

"I want to see Mum, and now thankfully my sister is getting better.

"I know wherever Dad is he would tell us – don't worry about anything, have fun and sing!"

Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol

Sunday 7 March, 7.30

English Subtitles

On demand: S4C Clic, iPlayer and other platforms

A Rondo production for S4C