**Long-serving Pontypridd Councillor Resigns Amid Brain Tumour Battle**
Pontypridd town has been dealt a blow as Dawn Wood, an esteemed figure in local politics, has announced her decision to step down from her posts on health grounds. Having faithfully served as the Plaid Cymru councillor for the town ward since May 2022, Ms Wood confirmed her resignation is effective immediately due to the progression of a brain tumour diagnosed late last year.
Ms Wood had been largely absent from her council duties since December 2024, with medical concerns cited as the reason for her absence. In a heartfelt public statement released on Wednesday, she expressed deep regret but said her health must now take precedence. “It was not an easy decision to make,” she said, revealing how devastated she felt to be stepping back from public service after three years of dedicated commitment.
Thanking the community for its overwhelming kindness, Ms Wood wrote, “As many of you will be aware, I’ve had to take a period of absence from my role as both your RCT Councillor and Pontypridd Town Councillor for the past few months because of significant health challenges linked to a brain tumour. After careful consideration and consultation with my medical team, I have come to the difficult decision that I must step down from my role to focus on my health and wellbeing.”
Reflecting on her term, Ms Wood described serving Pontypridd Town Ward as one of the greatest honours of her life. She conveyed her gratitude for the trust placed in her by residents, saying she cherished the privilege of working alongside other councillors, local businesses, and community groups to foster positive change. In a particularly candid admission, Ms Wood explained that her prognosis has now deteriorated, and “all avenues for treatment have been explored” unsuccessfully, rendering any continuation in the role especially hazardous to her health.
Prior to entering public office, Ms Wood enjoyed a distinguished teaching career spanning almost three decades. She is also well known as one of the driving forces behind ‘Between The Trees’ – a festival blending music, arts and spoken word designed to encourage creativity and a connection with the natural world.
Her colleagues and the wider community have responded to her resignation with warmth and respect. Pontypridd’s Labour MP, Alex Davies-Jones, said she was “very sorry” to learn of Ms Wood’s decision, noting, “Although we come from different political parties, Dawn and I have worked closely together… always with the shared goal of doing what’s best for our community. This cannot have been an easy decision, and I want to thank her for her time and commitment.”
Heledd Fychan, Plaid Cymru MS for South Wales Central, added, “Cllr Dawn Wood has been an incredible colleague and champion for Pontypridd Town ward. As her friend, I’m fully supportive of her decision to prioritise her health. You have been a bright light in our community and in the council chamber.”
Members of the public have also paid tribute, taking to social media to express their appreciation for Ms Wood’s dedication and positive impact. “Your health is the priority, Dawn, but thank you for all the support you’ve given us and the wider community. You’ve been an asset,” wrote one resident, summarising the widespread sentiment.
With Ms Wood’s departure, both the Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Pontypridd Town Council will need to hold by-elections in the near future to fill the vacant seats. The process will see the community seek a successor to continue the legacy of commitment and empathy she brought to local government.
As Pontypridd comes to terms with the loss of a passionate and hardworking representative, thoughts across the political spectrum remain with Ms Wood as she tackles this challenging period. For now, the focus is rightly on her health, with the gratitude of the community serving as a testament to her years of service.