Wales Family Hero 2014 - Thelma Williams

At age 3, Rebecca and her two sisters, tragically lost their mother who died suddenly of a heart attack just before 21.  Their father Allan, who is the biological father of the youngest daughter,turned to his Mother, Thelma or Nana (as her granddaughters would grow up to lovingly call her) for support and to help him secure a stable, loving family for the three girls to flourish. Thelma fought relentlessly for her granddaughters to be officially adopted by her son. It was a struggle that would last 4 years but would shape the lives of the three sisters forever, legally establishing them as Allan’s children.

At 85 Thelma has continued to support the girls both emotionally and financially. Never has this been more evident than 3 years ago, when Rebecca was diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer. Once again the heart of the family, Thelma provided the support to get her through.

Thelma is a remarkable woman who took on three young girls to become their mother, grandmother, teacher, confidante and councillor.