Crymych student awarded scholarship named after Llandysul vet

Catrin Palfrey, 19, from Tegfryn near Crymych, has been awarded the £2,500 "Defi Fet" Scholarship to support her studies in veterinary science.

The scholarship, named in honour of late Llandysul vet DGE Davies - known as Defi Fet, was established by Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol and Aberystwyth University.

It is awarded to students studying veterinary science through the medium of Welsh at Aberystwyth University’s School of Veterinary Science, the only place in Wales where this subject can be studied.

Catrin, a former Ysgol Bro Preseli student who took a gap year after her A Levels in maths, chemistry, and biology, expressed her delight at receiving the scholarship.

She said: "I've been interested in science since my dad explained what an atom was to me when I was a little girl!

"I also love animals so my love of science and animals led me to veterinary science."

She also highlighted the importance of speaking Welsh in the field.

She said: "Over the years, I've been on work experience with a variety of vets in the area, and have seen how important it is to be able to speak Welsh.

"Being able to speak Welsh was essential to understanding each other, but more importantly, understanding the treatment offered.

"It’s an incredible privilege to have been offered this scholarship, and I’m looking forward to learning more about the field and studying elements of my course through the medium of Welsh."

Professor Darrell Abernethy, head of Aberystwyth University’s School of Veterinary Science, praised Catrin's achievement.

He said: "Congratulations to Catrin who fully deserves this.

"A core part of our vision for the school is to serve the needs of Wales.

"The privilege of teaching local and Welsh-speaking students like Catrin underlines the importance of the school to us locally as well as Wales as a nation.

"We are very grateful to Elaine and the family for their generous support so that we can offer this special scholarship."

The scholarship fund was set up with a generous donation from Defi Fet's daughter, Elaine Davies, and her family.

Dr Dylan Phillips, director of higher education and secretary of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, expressed his gratitude for the donation.

He said: "I would like to say a huge thank you to Elaine and her family for the incredibly generous financial donation in memory of her father, who will support Catrin over the five years.

"The donation allows us to support a student each year for the next 15 years to study a portion of their course through the medium of Welsh."

He also commended Catrin on her understanding of the significance of speaking the customer’s first language.

He added: "Congratulations to Catrin on winning this year’s Defi Fet Scholarship and we wish her well on her journey to becoming a vet.

"Catrin has clearly demonstrated that she understands the importance of speaking the customer's first language, and the practical difference it makes to vets working in rural Wales."

Catrin's future plans are to work as an agricultural veterinarian, on the research side of veterinary medicine, or a combination of both.

She gained practical experience in the field, including work experience at a farm during lambing time, which reinforced the importance of Welsh on a busy farm.

During her gap year, she spent time working at Printworks restaurant in Cardigan.

For those interested in applying for the 2025 Defi Fet Veterinary Scholarship, more information is available on the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol website.