Tucked away in the Afan valley, a Welsh village has embraced new Christmas traditions to honour the friends and family they have sadly lost over the years. With a 30ft Christmas tree decorated with 'memory teardrops' for lost loved ones and a festive bus tour in honour of a local young man who lost his life to cancer, the community of Cwmafan are coming together this year in a magical way.
John Richards, who was born and bred in the village, sadly lost his 26-year-old son Jamie six years ago after he was diagnosed with cancer. The 54-year-old's "gentle giant" son was studying philosophy at the open university at the time and was described by his father as someone who had a dry sense of humour but never had a bad word to say about anyone.
When John heard about the Christmas bus tour being held in his community this year, he decided to donate £150 to help spread some festive cheer for the children in his village. Ward councillor Charlotte Galsworthy dedicated the bus tour to John's well-loved son Jamie and the whole family came to celebrate on Wednesday, December 7, including Jamie's mother and sister. You can read more stories about Neath here.
