Sam
Upon visiting Wales, I stumbled upon @oldeltonsclothing 's store in Tenby.
My Grandfather, Glyndwr, was raised in the 20s and 30s during one of the most brutal times in living memory, one of six children, mostly by his widower father Morgan.
He lost his mother, Alice, early on in life when she died in childbirth.
He worked with his dad and brothers and endured gruelling bare knuckle fights in the mountains of New Tredegar & Ebbw Vale at the crack of dawn, before 12 hours down the mines... win or lose.
These fights would take place in the naturally occurring craters at the top of the mountains called 'Blood Hollows'. The name speaks for itself. Life was gruelling for those in that time.
He ended up leaving that life and meeting my nanna in London and lived a happy life with 3 children and many grandchildren...but he carried those days, blue mottled coal dust scars and that battle hardened grit to the day he died. All whilst being a brilliant father and grandfather.
He is a major inspiration in my life to not give up in times of strife and keep my head held high.
When I saw this shirt, I heard him say in his beautiful welsh lilt,
'The only way out is through... scars and all'.
Excellent artwork and mental health message @oldeltonsclothing
We'd love to hear your story too!
If you'd like to change your name for anonymity, then please do so & don't forget to check the terms of submission in our handy guide!
