Recollections Of Llangwyfan Hospital

A Memory of Llangwyfan.

I am not too sure I can be the only one to contribute, but am glad to do so.i was a patient in 1959 as a young lad with tb and was so desolate to be away from my home and family,it is very clear in mind now all these years on that I soon settled and came home just before my 12th birthday having had a life changing experience,i almost did not wish to leave,the whole place,the hospital and the surrounding area made such an impression on me that I visited the area in the early seventies and returned several times staying in a tent in the forest nearby,i later spent some nights in a tent with a girlfriend to show how I felt about such a lovely part of north wales. as for the hospital I was given great care and recall many staff members also many young lads who were patients,some were in for more serious problems than mine,my treatment consisted of daily injections when others appeared to have some unpleasant requirements.i returned home having to continue with medication and rest,i was not allowed to participate in any frenetic activity I also had to be excused sport at school,i had to fall back a year as I had missed so much time at school and having to stand and watch others playing was as bad a part of that period that I can remember.this was no doubt for my benefit and I have enjoyed good health and now am past seventy.if anyone remembers me I would love to share what I can. the care I received and the kindness I will not forget though I am sure there was some tough love for the heartbroken lad away from home for the first time at the beginning of my stay.i have walked through the grounds on visits some years ago and block 8 was still standing,i knew of course that the building had other use over the years but the area behind the hospital was a walk I did as recently as 2014.one outstanding memory for me was that as a lad to whom playing football was so important all activities were encouraged and a good grass area was our football pitch only yards away from our block ,hours were spent with some lads who were very good ,a school on site was so that we did not lose touch totally with our education .most of those I recall came from all over north wales and I was not the only one from Holyhead ,Leslie Williams has remained a good friend ever since and was one of those excellent footballers.it is possible I will not make further visits to llangwyfan,the last time I walked for hours forgetting how far those [paths can go but my time in that lovely place will always be with me. I may have an e mail title but I would have been known as Alex.

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