Latest news with #Alyn
Wales Online
28-04-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Dad Alyn was worried about the cost of glasses but finally making an appointment to see the optician saved his life
Dad Alyn was worried about the cost of glasses but finally making an appointment to see the optician saved his life Alyn's wife Sioned persuaded him to go after he had been complaining about having sore eyes for three months Alyn, with his wife Sioned who persuaded him to get an appointment with the opticians after complaining about eye problems (Image: BBC ) Dad-of-two Alyn kept putting off an optician appointment because he was worried about the cost of getting new glasses. In the end it was the 41-year-old wife Sioned who persuaded him to make the visit - and that appointment helped save his life. His emotional story was told in the latest episode of BBC show Saving Lives in Cardiff, which tells the true stories of staff and patients at the University Hospital of Wales in the Welsh capital. They tracked Alyn's progress from arriving in hospital to the surgery that helped save his life, and his vision. The documentary series followed the Cardiff dad after came to hospital alongside Sioned, and their son Ellis, after he was diagnosed with a tumour growing inside his brain and into his left eye socket, very close to the optic nerve, which is responsible for vision. The family explained that the diagnosis had come after Sioned had persuaded Alyn to go for an opticians' appointment after he started complaining about eye problems three months before. "I just kept mentioning my eyes are tired, probably from using the computer so much," he explained. "I said, Oh my left eye keeps sort of failing to adjust to the light'." Dr Amr Mohamed was responsible for Alyn's surgery to remove the brain tumour (Image: BBC ) Article continues below Sioned added: "I just thought he was being overdramatic, to be honest. Just go for the appointment at the opticians." Although Alyn explained he had been "putting it off" going for an appointment as he did not want to spend money on a new pair of glasses, he eventually did, and was later diagnosed with a "significant" tumour growing behind his left eye. "I'm under no illusion how big this is," Alyn said. "This is huge. Probably said, biggest moment in my life so far, really." Neurosurgeon Amr Mohamed was responsible for Alyn's operation and rescheduled his list so that Alyn could get his operation as soon as possible. Sioned reflected: "It's quite daunting isn't it?" Alyn added: "It's the fear. Yeah, it's the fear of not knowing the after. I'm glad I've found it because Sioned made me go to the opticians." She added: "I wasn't really expecting this kind of outcome. I literally thought they'd give him a new pair of glasses and that would be it. It was just lucky that we did go." As Amr Mohamed explained, it would be a "big surgery" for Alyn. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . As the neurosurgeon would be working in limited space, the optic nerve was at risk by the operation, meaning blindness could be a risk. Alyn revealed that this was his "biggest fear". "I'll do my best for you to keep your vision, absolutely," Dr Mohamed said. A visibly emotional Alyn revealed he was feeling "scared". Alyn became visibly upset after he was told there was a risk he would become blind following the operation (Image: BBC ) After Dr Mohamed had spoken to the family, he said that seeing Alyn's wife and son with him became his motivation to do a "good job". When Alyn came round following the long surgery, he instantly remembered Dr Amr, his neurosurgeon. With a beam of light, Amr tested Alyn's eyesight, who confirmed he was able to see the light and move his left eye. Six weeks after removing the brain tumour, Alyn had returned to see Dr Amr Mohamed and to find out the results of the biopsies taken during the surgery. The neurosurgeon was able to confirm that the tumour was benign. "I'm a terrible worrier," Alyn told Dr Amr. "And you've kept me confident that this is all going to go okay in the end, and it has. So yeah, I'm really pleased, thank you very much." Reflecting after the appointment with the neurosurgeon, an emotional Alyn said: "It's been a horrible few months. Just can't wait to put it all behind me. It's been tough. I'm just looking forward to having some fun now." Article continues below Saving Lives in Cardiff continues on BBC One Wales at 9pm on Monday, May 5.
Business News Wales
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Business News Wales
Astro-Photographer Remembered with Elan Valley Installation
An installation has been unveiled in the Elan Valley International Dark Sky Park in Mid Wales to remember Alyn Wallace, a landscape astro-photographer who died unexpectedly last year. Located on a rocky outcrop above Craig Goch Reservoir, the installation is based on one of Alyn's classic selfie portrait photographs and was crafted by Art Metal Blacksmiths in Rhayader. The work is a collaboration between Dafydd Wyn Morgan, who has set up his own night photography and videography business, Serydda and the Wallace family in partnership with The Elan Valley Trust and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water. Local farmers, Sorcha and Brian Lewis, helped install the tribute and Alyn's friends and family from across the UK and Europe attended the unveiling. Alyn was from Pontypridd. Based in Tregaron, Dafydd was instrumental in establishing the Cambrian Mountains Astro Trail in 2019 and Alyn was a good friend. Dafydd said: 'Alyn was one of the world's best astro-photographers and the Elan Valley was one of his favourite locations. 'I met him by chance in Cwm Elan in 2017 when we were both starting out in the world of landscape astrophotography. We collaborated on many projects including organising star parties and the official launch of the Cambrian Mountains Astro Trail in 2019.' 'An astrophotography workshop in Tenerife in 2022 served only to strengthen the bond between us, having spent several nights learning from each other's mistakes and achievements.' 'His untimely death on March 28, 2024 was a real shock for the astrophotography community as well as for his family and partner, Zelis.' Dafydd attended a memorial service at Kabak Turkey where he decided to keep Alyn's memory and story alive. Following discussions with Alyn's parents, Pauline and Ian and brother Rhys, Dafydd now offers a grand tour of Cwm Elan International Dark Sky Park titled 'The Alyn Wallace Big 5'. The astro-marathon tour, organised by Serydda in partnership with Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, visits key locations photographed by Alyn on his astro journey in the Cambrian Mountains. Having had his stargazing photography published by national magazines and television channels, Dafydd specialises in presenting 'the night sky in harmony with the landscapes of the natural world.' As part of his work as an astro-tourism specialist, he provides accommodation owners with packages of night photography and starry timelapse videos to highlight how amazing a place Mid Wales is to discover the wonders of the night sky. Events are being held at Elan Valley Visitor Centre on June 29 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Elan Valley achieving International Dark Sky Park status. Serydda is a member of MWT Cymru, an independent organisation representing more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Eryri (Snowdonia).
