I'm from Ystrad, Rhondda Valley. It's a home that I love and I've been down in Ystrad now for over nine years. It's sheltered accommodation, and everybody helps everybody. Everybody's kind to me - even the warden.

Friend

I've been friends with Barnard since I was a young boy. We go to the day centre in Gelli. We have a chat and we have a quiz. We help each other.

Childhood

When I was a young boy, I was going to this chapel - it was called Bethany Gelli. My mother carried me as I couldn't walk. The superintendent of the chapel used to say "come on Eric". He used to carry me to my seat, and everybody in the church was kind to me.

I tell you what - if it wasn't for the doctors, I'd have been in a wheelchair. I was born with club feet. They said I'd never walk. I started walking at ten years of age.

I was born in Cooperative Street in Ton Pentre. That was my childhood place. Behind the trees there was the old Ton & Gelli boys club. The boys used to carry me in to the club because I couldn't walk. They were all good friends.

Work

This is a miner's lamp. My dad used to work in the mines and my brother worked in the mines. That was part of the history of the Rhondda Valley. When the mines closed, everything went wrong. There was nothing in the Valleys.

Happiness

I've always loved going to the park and listening to brass bands. It's the music of love. I love music. From a young child - if I heard a tune on the radio, I'd go straight to the piano and play. I can't read music, but I love it.

The ducks floating on the river - I've always loved watching them go past. It makes you feel that you want to join them.