On September 1, 2025, the village of Gelligaer in South Wales became the heart of a community in mourning as hundreds gathered at St Catwg’s Church and later at Thornhill Crematorium to pay their final respects to Hefin David, the much-admired Caerphilly Senedd Member. The outpouring of grief and gratitude at his funeral reflected not only the depth of his public service but also the warmth he brought to every aspect of his life.
The service, led by Father Gary Powell, was a poignant affair, attended by a cross-section of Welsh political life. Among those present were First Minister Eluned Morgan, former First Ministers Vaughan Gething and Mark Drakeford, former Caerphilly MP Sir Wayne David, and current MP Chris Evans. South Wales East MSs Delyth Jewell and Natasha Asghar, along with Caerphilly Council leader Sean Morgan and senior councillors from both Labour and Plaid Cymru, stood shoulder to shoulder in tribute. Dr David’s partner, Cynon Valley MS Vikki Howells, was also present, surrounded by friends, family, and colleagues from across the political divide.
The ceremony was marked by moving hymns—'Calon Lân' and 'Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer'—and a heartfelt reading of the poem 'The Strength of the Mountain' by Dr David’s sister, Siân. Yet it was the eulogy from Dr David’s lifelong friend, Dr Huw Brunt, that truly captured the spirit of the man so many had come to honor. Having known Hefin since they were just seven years old, Dr Brunt described him as “intelligent, caring, enthusiastic, honest and genuine,” adding, “He was principled, full of integrity. He lived by his values and was respected for doing so. He had passion, drive and determination to not just want to make a difference, but to persevere, to achieve.”
Dr Brunt’s words painted a vivid picture of a man who was both the “life and soul of the party” and a tireless campaigner. “He, his words and his actions had a massive impact on everything around him,” Dr Brunt said, sharing stories of Hefin’s quick wit and his ability to turn “a serious or awkward moment on its head.” He recalled Hefin’s relentless work ethic, noting that while completing his doctorate at the University of Gloucestershire, “he was burning the candle at both ends, with a full time job and writing up his thesis.”
Hefin David’s achievements were many, and his influence was felt far beyond the Senedd chamber. According to Caerphilly Observer, he was born in Caerphilly Miners’ Hospital and grew up in Penpedairheol, attending Heolddu Comprehensive School in Bargoed. Politics was woven into his life from a young age, as he delivered campaign leaflets with his father, Wynne David, himself a Labour councillor and headteacher. Hefin’s academic journey took him to Cardiff University, where he earned degrees in economics, politics, and European policy, and later to teaching posts at Cardiff Metropolitan University and abroad in Germany, Greece, India, and China.
Before his election to the Senedd in 2016, Hefin served on Caerphilly council, first winning a by-election in 2007 to represent the St Cattwg ward—a position his father also held. His rise in public life was marked by a dedication to the people and issues of his constituency. He was re-elected to the Senedd in 2021 with an increased vote share, a testament to his popularity and effectiveness.
Throughout his nine years representing Caerphilly, Dr David championed causes close to his heart. He sided with leaseholders against unfair estate management charges, advocated for rail transport improvements, and fought for the rights of people with Long Covid and the victims of the infected blood scandal. But perhaps his most passionate advocacy was for people with autism and additional learning needs (ALN), a cause made all the more personal by his experience as a devoted father to two daughters, one of whom has autism. He built strong relationships with ALN community groups like Sparrows and Valley Daffodils and served as a governor at Trinity Fields School in Ystrad Mynach.
Vaughan Gething, who spoke at the funeral, highlighted Dr David’s many accomplishments, especially his support for better additional learning needs provision. According to Nation.Cymru, Dr Brunt also emphasized Hefin’s impact on students as a lecturer, saying, “He worked tirelessly to make a difference for others. And in his public service roles, we saw him campaign and lobby for change across a broad range of policy areas in education, economy, housing and culture.”
Dr David’s family, in a statement released through Welsh Labour, described him as “a devoted father who was adored by his daughters Caitlin and Holly, a much loved son to Wynne and Christine, a beloved brother to Siân, a brilliant uncle to Osian and Catrin, and a soulmate to his cherished partner Vikki.” They added, “It is clear from the very many messages we have received that Hefin was widely respected and held in genuine affection by the community he represented, and by those he worked with during his many years of public service.”
His role in the Senedd was not limited to advocacy. As a commissioner responsible for finance, Hefin was instrumental in pushing through the Senedd Commission’s £84 million budget for 2025/26, paving the way for the Welsh Parliament’s expansion to 96 members. Elin Jones, the Senedd’s speaker, paid tribute to his “diligence and skill,” noting that “Hefin was particularly well-liked across the Senedd.”
Outside of politics, Hefin was a community stalwart. He hosted the 'Caerffili’s Heroes' podcast on Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr FM, shining a light on local individuals and groups making a difference. Friends and colleagues alike remembered his ability to form genuine connections across political lines and his reputation as a “critical friend” to the Welsh Government—never afraid to challenge the party line when he believed it necessary.
Tragically, Hefin David took his own life at his home in Nelson on the evening of August 13, 2025, the day before his 48th birthday. An inquest into his death was opened at Gwent Coroners’ Court on August 26 and has been adjourned until April next year, with the final cause of death yet to be established. The shock of his passing reverberated through the community and beyond, with tributes pouring in from all corners of Welsh public life.
Sir Wayne David, referencing a long-standing joke about Hefin being his son, told mourners, “If he had been my son, I would have been extremely proud of him.” Dr Brunt, addressing Vikki Howells, said, “Let’s support each other. Let’s keep remembering to honour and celebrate this incredible man. Let’s make sure Hefin’s legacy lives on through us, in our memories, in the way we live out our own lives.”
As the congregation left St Catwg’s Church, the sense of loss was palpable but so too was the determination to carry forward the values and passion that defined Hefin David. He leaves behind a legacy not just of public service, but of kindness, humour, and a commitment to making life better for others—a legacy that those who knew him best are determined to keep alive.
