An emotional rollercoaster unfolded at the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham, where Tudur Hallam took home the prestigious chair for his deeply personal poetry. After facing a cancer diagnosis in August last year, Hallam, a previous winner of this esteemed Welsh language honour, struggled to find words for months. Then came an award-winning creation inspired by his own journey.
Captivating Friday’s audience, Hallam was honoured with the chair for the second time. The touching moment was amplified by his brother, Gwion Hallam, who recited a heartfelt poem. Tudur, a dedicated husband and father-of-three, shared how writing served as his emotional outlet, though his initial attempts were hampered by shock. But come January, with disappointing news about his treatment, words began to pour out.
His poem captivated the judges with its raw sincerity and emotional depth. Set against the backdrop of his role as a girls’ football coach in Carmarthenshire, Hallam’s narrative transitioned from the excitement of a game-winning team to a heart-wrenching hospital scene, revealing his own health battle.
The competition was fierce, with 15 poets making this the most contested event since 1989. The theme of “dinas” (city) was explored through traditional poetic forms, and Hallam’s awdl stood out for its powerful, unvarnished reflection. Peredur Lynch, a judge, hailed his work as a song from the soul. Another judge, Menna Elfyn, praised the lack of self-pity, while Llyr Gwyn Lewis noted the poem’s clarity and emotional resonance.
Hallam’s courageous work is a testament to finding light through adversity. Though hesitant to submit his awdl due to its emotional weight, he felt it became a celebration of life and achievement. His win is not only a tribute to his poetic prowess but also a reminder of the strength found in vulnerability.