Dyfan gets in touch from China to say he's feeling better

NOW WITH FURTHER UPDATE FROM THURSDAY MORNING. SEE FOOT OF STORY AND FURTHER PICTURE OF DYFAN ....

The Llangollen teenager seriously injured while on a charity cycling marathon through China has taken to social media to explain why he's not been in touch with his many well-wishers back home - and to show x-ray pictures of his injuries.

Known collectively as the Westheads, mates Dyfan Hughes, 18, Louis Dennis, 19, from Garth, and James Thomas, also 19, from Wrexham, are a year into a mammoth cycling trip to Thailand in aid of the British Heart Foundation in memory of Tony Edge, the father of their friend Harrison, who died following a heart attack in 2024. They have so far raised over £40,000. 

But last week Dyfan sustained head, neck and leg injuries after being involved in a collision with a lorry.

He was rushed to a local hospital where his parents have been by his bedside after flying out from the UK.

Meanwhile, the Westheads' hundreds of supporters back home have been sending scores of messages of online support to Dyfan.

On Tuesday, Louis and James recorded a video message giving an optimistic update on his progress.

And yesterday and this morning, Dyfan himself posted two short video updates.

In the first - the accompaniment of the Bee Gees' Stayin' Alive and giving a thumbs-up - he explains why he's not been responding to all the messages of support.

Pictured in his hospital bed surrounded by equipment with his head bandaged, he posts: "Unfortunately when my phone broke I also forgot all my passwords.

"So if I haven't got back to your message that's why I've had to make a new account.

"Feeling a lot better today. I'll post some updates on here also!" @dyfanhughes5 

In his second film, to the backing of The Jacksons' Blame it on the Boogie, there's a shot of a mobile phone with x-ray pictures of broken leg bones and it has the message: "This is how we are looking on Day 7. There's a lot more to it but we will explain in a video soon." 

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Later this morning (Thursday) there was another post on the Westheads' social media in which Louis and James gave a further update on Dyfan's condition. It also showed another picture pf him in his hospital bed.

The post said: "We wanted to give everyone an update on Dyfan following his accident. 

"He has suffered some very serious injuries, including major injuries to both legs and his left foot, a serious injury to his scalp and a fracture to his neck. 

"He has already been through multiple procedures and is receiving Specialist Care in hospital. 

"He still has a long road ahead of him, but thankfully, he is in good spirits, staying positive, and fighting through it all. 

"We know lots of people have been asking how he is, so we wanted to share an update. We're incredibly grateful for every message, kind word and bit of support we've received.

"Together, stronger. Yma o hyd!" 

Family fun day on now at field near Ysgol Dinas Bran

An interactive family fun day is being hosted today (Wednesday) at Llangollen Recreation Ground, which is connected to the Ysgol Dinas Bran school site.

Running until 2pm, the event features a free soft play section and taster sessions from local sports clubs.

The day also has interactive fun activities, including games, crafts, silent disco and more.

In attendance are the council’s youth workers, Flying Start and Families First team, as well as representatives from the Credu WCD young carers and Menter Iaith.

The event is open to children of all ages, with a range of services available for families on the day to find out more information about the support on offer to them in the local area.

Cheryl Hughes, Community Focused Engagement Manager at Denbighshire County Council said: “This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when schools and community partners work together. Community-focused schools are about creating opportunities that extend beyond the school day, supporting children, young people, and families to thrive.

"The family fun day celebrates the strengths in our community and highlights the wide range of support services available to local families." 

Smell of smoke is coming from south Wales, says fire service

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has sent out a message reassuring people who say they can smell smoke on the air that it's coming from many miles away.

This comes after a number of people in this area have reported this smell on social media.

The fire service says on its own social media post: "Our control room is receiving a lot of calls this morning relating to smoke. We can confirm that the smoke is travelling from the wildfires currently burning in South Wales.

"If you see a fire, please call 999 immediately. Otherwise please keep the phone lines clear.

"Help reduce the risk of fires during this exceptionally dry period by taking extra care when outdoors. Please avoid activities that could accidentally start a fire and follow any local safety advice.https://www.northwalesfire.gov.wales/.../appeal-to-stay.../

"If you are affected by smoke please keep windows and doors closed."

Non-animal circus comes to town from tomorrow

A traditional, non-animal circus will stop off in Llangollen from tomorrow as part of its summer tour of north and mid Wales.

Based in north Wales, Peregrine Circus says it "drifts into towns and villages" and is a collective of acrobats, artists and musicians united by a love of live performance and a deep connection to the landscapes and legends of the land.

From this Thursday to Sunday its Belly of the Whale show will have seven performances at Llangollen Pavilion. 

Its advertising material describes it as a traditional, all-human, village green circus with "no animals, only people, artistry, and the magic they create together."

Founded and directed by Robin Timson, it has entered its second year following the success of its 2025 debut show.

Said to be inspired by the sea, folklore and the stories its performers carry with them, the production brings together aerial performance, acrobatics, live musicians and "unforgettable characters" beneath the canvas.

Acts include roller skates and perch, teeterboard acrobatics, contortion and trapeze, aerial net and roped, all accompanied by a three-piece orchestra.

Its 2026 tour began in Llandulas in May and ends back there after stops in Anglesey, the Llyn Peninsula, Brecon and Powys early next month.

* For tickets, got to: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/peregrinecircus/2026815

Westheads lads give update on Dyfan Hughes injured in China

* Above: Louis and James give a video update on Dyfan's condition in the Chinese hospital.

His two fellow Westheads have this evening given an update on their friend, 18-year-old Dyfan Hughes, who is in hospital in China after being seriously injured in a collision with a lorry last week.

Mates Dyfan, Louis Dennis, 19, from Garth, and James Thomas, also 19, from Wrexham, are making a mammoth cycling trip to Thailand in aid of the British Heart Foundation in memory of Tony Edge, the father of their friend Harrison, who died following a heart attack in 2024. They have so far raised over £40,000. 

Following the accident Dyfan was rushed to hospital with injuries to his head, neck and leg. 

As his parents immediately flew out to be at his bedside, the Westheads' thousands of supporters back home have been sending messages of online support while awaiting an update on his condition, which came this afternoon from James and Louis in a short film on their social media.

They say: "As you may know, Dyf got into an unfortunate accident on the road with a lorry and we would just like to thank everyone for their kind messages and donations. It really means a lot to us.

"As for the full extent of his injuries, he's on the road to recovery but we're going to try and update you as much as we can

"Dyf's parents flew out right away and have been by his side the whole time.

"Dyf's being really well looked after in the hospital. He's bright and alert and in good spirits. That lad is as tough as they come. It's going to take more than a fight with a lorry to break him."  

Recycling collections to start earlier due to heatwave

This notification  has just been posted on Denbighshire County Council's Facebook page ...

Letter in Leader blames politicians for town's bank holiday 'mess'

* The letter in the Leader about last bank holiday's problems in Llangollen.

An anonymous reader's letter in the Leader blames "councillors and Senedd members" for the "mess" created in the centre of town during the recent bank holiday weekend.

* For the full story, go to: https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/26451784.letter-spoilt-llangollen-1/