Seven Sisters blast survivor tells of explosion horror

Fourteen houses were evacuated after the explosion on Church Road in Seven Sisters, Neath Port Talbot, in June 2020

A mother who lived through a house explosion with her two young children has recalled the horror of the blast.

"It was miraculous that we all survived," said Jessica Williams, 34, of the 2020 blast on Church Road in Seven Sisters, Neath Port Talbot.

Ms Williams and her sons were buried under tonnes of rubble in the blast, which left the boys with severe burns.

She has now been nominated as apprentice of the year after completing a children's care qualification.

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Following the blast, Ms Williams was placed into a coma and spent months in hospital undergoing numerous operations.

"My world was turned upside down on that day and it changed my life," she said.

Jessica Williams is now a pre-school teacher after completing her level five apprenticeship

However, after her recovery she completed a higher apprenticeship in children's care, learning and development, leadership and management.

She said wanted to use her traumatic experience to inspire others, adding that the apprenticeship helped with her recovery.

"When I did go back to learning in May 2021, I was desperate to get my life back on track," she said.

"The apprenticeship helped me and the personal progress I made during the programme was tremendous."

"I have gone from being critically ill and fighting for my life to, now, a successful pre-school leader. It is incredible, but my journey has not been an easy one," she added.

Following her academic success, she has been shortlist for higher apprentice of the year at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2024.

Judith Hickey, headteacher of Ser Bach y Cwm pre-school at Ysgol Golwg y Cwm, Ystradgynlais, where Ms Williams works, said she was an "outstanding member of the team".

"Jessica is truly remarkable in having undertaken her level five apprenticeship despite a life-changing, traumatic accident," said Ms Hickey.

"Her resilience has carried her through and despite such huge adverse challenges, Jess has endeavoured to plough on and overcome all challenges placed in her way," Ms Hickey added.

Welsh government Economy Minister Vaughan Gething congratulated Ms Williams and all the other finalists: "Their tenacity, passion, and commitment to growing their own careers, the careers of others, and the larger Welsh economy is inspiring.

"I wish each of the finalists the best of luck at the awards and with their future endeavours."

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