We are deeply saddened by the sudden death of Hefin David MS, who passed away on Tuesday 12ᵗʰ August, the day before his 48ᵗʰ birthday. Hefin, who represented Caerphilly in the Senedd since 2016, was widely respected for his compassion, commitment and tireless dedication to his constituents.
In 2022, Hefin first raised the issue of brain tumours in the Senedd after meeting constituents Ellie and Owain James. Owain, aged 34, had an incurable brain tumour and faced paying hundreds of thousands of pounds for a promising treatment still in trials and not yet approved for NHS Wales.
Hefin also spoke about 15-year-old Ethan Hamer, who needed a similar therapy, and urged the Welsh Government to improve access to new, life-extending medicines. Hefin wrote to the Health Minister, marking the start of his determined campaign to remove the barriers facing brain tumour patients.
Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum, including leaders in his own party. First Minister Eluned Morgan described Hefin as “an outstanding politician, warm and enthusiastic and a great communicator… a much-loved member of the Labour family”. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called him “a powerful voice for the people of Wales and a committed public servant”.
Earlier this year, Hefin brought forward a motion in support of Owain’s Law, inspired by the story of Owain, who died from a grade 4 brain tumour in 2024. His wife, Ellie James, has campaigned tirelessly to ensure no other family endures the same heartbreak. The proposed legislation seeks to ensure brain tumour tissue is preserved in a way that protects patient rights and maximises its value for research, through clear consent, fresh-freezing at –80°C, timely consent in emergencies and confirmation of patient or next-of-kin ownership.
Hefin’s unwavering commitment to Owain’s Law was born from genuine compassion for patients and their loved ones. We met with him only a few weeks ago, and his determination to make change was as strong as ever. He recognised, with absolute clarity, that families need hope and researchers need the vital tools to make progress. His determination has left a lasting mark, and we will honour his memory by working alongside Ellie and all those affected to ensure the reforms he fought for become reality.
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