One of Wales’ most well known actors has revealed the brave battle fought by his wife against cancer in his new autobiography published this week.

In  Hunangofiant Dyn Lwcus (A Lucky Man’s Autobiography) the actor Hywel Emrys opens up about the death of his wife Liz to cancer last year, and portrays his own experience of losing someone so close to the cruel illness.

‘Liz was a unique woman’ says Hywel, ‘She was strong, she was brave and full of healthy humour – even towards the end.’

‘I hope talking about my experiences in such an open way will help those who are going through the same thing’ says Hywel.

Hywel is known primarily for playing the role of Derek, the garage owner on popular Welsh soap Pobol y Cwm, and is a familiar face throughout Wales. He has also acted in many other programmes and films. In this intimate autobiography, the lovable actor tells numerous stories and mishaps along the way’.

The death of his wife is what led him to write his story.

‘It was a form of catharsis that morphed into a book’ says Hywel, ‘I lost my own father at a young age and I only have faded memories of him now so I hope that by writing this book it will act as a memory for my children when I leave’.

Praise has already been given to the book by one of his friends and the world famous actor, Ioan Gruffudd, who sais, ‘This is a witty and wonderful autobiography – Hywel is one of the most loved actors in Wales’.

Hywel was born in Carmarthen but now lives in Cardiff with his children, Ffion and Sam.

The book will be launched at the caffi bar at yr Hen Lyfrgell in Cardiff on Tuesday the 29 ^th of November at 7pm with Ieuan Rhys and entertainment by Lisa Angharad.

The second launch will be held the following week at Cwins rugby club in Carmarthen on Tuesday the 6 ^th of December at 7pm with actor Gwyn Elfyn.

Hunangofiant Dyn Lwcus by Hywel Emrys (£9.99, Y Lolfa) is available now.