This new series draws the viewer into the heart of some very personal, emotional stories. In Y Ddamwain Rygbi, Bryan ‘Yogi’ Davies from Bala, his wife, and friends, talk about the effects of a tragic injury he received on the rugby pitch during his last ever game for Bala Rugby Club.
Following years of unstinting service to the Club, as both a player and coach, Bryan announced in the changing room before the last game of the 2006–2007 season that he was to retire as a player, at the age of 49, after that very game.
He was made captain for the day, and proudly led his team onto the field. But, early on in the game, the first scrum collapsed, and Bryan was seriously injured. He is now paralysed, and is receiving specialist care at Southport Hospital, near Liverpool. Those few seconds on the rugby field have changed his life, and the lives of his wife, Sue, and children Ilan and Teleri for ever.
The programme was filmed over a period of months, and also includes highlights of a special bike ride undertaken by comedian and Noson Lawen presenter Dilwyn Morgan, who is a friend of Bryan. Last summer, Dilwyn cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise money for the Appeal Fund set up in the Bala area to help Bryan and his family. The community has already raised £100,000 in six months.
© 2008 S4C
O Gymru / Made in Wales