Celebrating my Welsh Learning Journey

One of my goals this year has been to use and celebrate my Welsh more often, and it’s been wonderful to see where that journey has led. From launching a new Welsh-language page on my website and being named a Learn Welsh ambassador, to giving Welsh-language interviews and looking ahead to speaking at the National Eisteddfod, there have been some memorable moments along the way. I’ve shared a few highlights below.

Fy nghyfweliad teledu cyntaf yn y Gymraeg - My First Television Interview in Welsh

I talk often about stepping outside your comfort zone, and I did exactly that. Learning a language as an adult is humbling. It demands patience, courage and commitment. I didn’t learn Welsh growing up in west Wales, but began learning during lockdown alongside my children.

Diolch yn fawr iawn to the team at Heno for sharing my story and my Welsh-language journey. And heartfelt thanks to my tutors at Dysgu Cymraeg Caerdydd and Y Ganolfan Dysgu Cymraeg Genedlaethol.

You can watch the interview on BBC iPlayer (17:30 mark, with English subtitles available) and on Youtube below.

Fy Nghyfweliad Radio Cyntaf yn y Gymraeg - My First Radio Interview in Welsh

Another highlight of my Welsh-language journey so far has been giving my first interview entirely in Welsh on BBC Radio Cymru at the end of last year. I joined Aled Hughes to talk about my Everest expedition, my podcast First Females, and the film More Than A Mountain. As a Welsh learner, it felt like a significant milestone.

Learning a language is like climbing Everest - it takes time, and you have to be prepared to make mistakes and to step outside of your comfort zone.

Llysgennad Dysgu Cymraeg / Learn Welsh Ambassador

I’m incredibly excited to have been appointed a Learn Welsh Ambassador. I have been learning Welsh for four years. It has required commitment and patience but now I enjoy using the language every day, both socially and in my work and voluntary activities. I took the opportunity to start learning when my children started at a Welsh medium school, committing to one 2 hour lesson each week, online with Dysgu Cymraeg.

The support from the Learn Welsh community has been incredible. Diolch yn fawr iawn (thank you very much) to the friends and fluent Welsh speakers who take the time to speak to me slowly and clearly - it really helps when you are a learner. I want to show others that taking small but regular steps to learn Welsh can be incredibly rewarding and it can open doors that you didn’t even know were shut.

My new role was announced at the Urdd Eisteddfod and I’m excited to be an ambassador alongside singer & DJ Aleighcia Scott, DJ Katie Owen & Ian Gwyn Hughes from the Football Association of Wales.

What is an Eisteddfod?

An Eisteddfod is a traditional Welsh festival that celebrates culture, language, music, literature, and the performing arts through competitions and performances. It has been a central part of Welsh cultural life for centuries, bringing together people of all ages to showcase their talents. The Eisteddfod yr Urdd is one of the largest youth festivals in Europe and is organised by Urdd Gobaith Cymru. In 2026 it was held on Ynys Môn (Anglesey).

It was an exciting day, I met Mr Urdd, completed my first live interview in Welsh with Aled Hughes for BBC Radio Cymru and had a very proud aunty moment watching my nephew perform in the Llefaru (recitation) competition. I also launched a page on my website yn Gymraeg (in Welsh).

National Eisteddfod 2026

I’m delighted to be heading to the National Eisteddfod this summer, where on 4 August at Eisteddfod y Garreg Las in Pembrokeshire I’ll be talking to Dafydd Wyn for Clonc o’r Copa / Stories from the Summit.

I’ll be sharing my journey to becoming the first Welsh woman to climb Everest, and talking about my latest challenge of learning Welsh.

The session is designed to be welcoming for families and intermediate Welsh learners, and I’m looking forward to an engaging conversation and the opportunity to meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts, Eisteddfod visitors and learners alike.

While there is still so much more to learn, I’m proud of the progress I’ve made and grateful for the opportunities that speaking more Welsh has brought my way. Thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me on this journey. I’m excited to see where it leads next, and I look forward to sharing more updates with you soon.

Would you like to learn Welsh?

Check out the courses available at: Learn Welsh

Hwyl fawr tan tro nesa / Goodbye until next time