"I was brought up on a farm in Derwydd, Llandeilo near to Castell Carreg Cennen. The eldest of five, the youngest brother being Andrew, born in 1960.
I love nature and wildlife including my rescuing of a bumblebee trapped in the porch - capping it in my hand I found it literally had a sting in its tail. This didn't however put me off; my secret wish was to become a beekeeper.
However, a busy life stopped me realize my dream but little did I know what lay ahead. Years later I was to suffer experiences that would change my life forever.
In September 1987, I was in work when my wife phoned telling me that my brother Andrew had died in a tragic accident in Copenhagen, Denmark. He was newly married and about to embark on a new life in Australia when fate intervened. He was just 27.
My father never recovered from the loss of his youngest child and died of a broken heart just five years later at the age of 68. This was a turning point in my life and I felt even more strongly now that I had to make the most of things in life.
So, in April 1988 I bought my first beehive - full of bees. My wife was horrified because I placed the hive and bees in the boot of our car before bringing my new friends home. Strangely enough she didn't accompany me, but commented, "Why don't you just buy a jar of honey from Tesco's like other normal people?"
One hive became a dozen as I expanded, but I didn't care - I was still here and Andrew wasn't. It was hard, sometime painful but still rewarding work.
My life was getting better at last. Just six years later though, I went through yet another lifetime changing experience and challenge when in May 1994 I was run over by a stolen car in a revenge attack. I was left for dead but it was not my time to go. Absent from work through stress I became a recluse, refusing to even answer the telephone... spending most of my time in the security of my garden shed with my wood-burning stove and looking after my beloved bees. Suffering from severe depression and medically retired out of the police service, I slowly climbed back.
After much counselling, I enrolled at Coleg Sir Gar, Llanelli where I still attend. I've gained numerous I.T. qualifications and have made many new friends.
Although I have lost both my brother and my father, luckily I still have my family and life has to go on.
Every day is now even more precious to me and I live life to the full, studying and looking after my beloved bees - my salvation."
Jeff Davies
Dedicated to my youngest brother (Andrew 1960 - 1987) and to 'Dad'. Thanks for family and friends for their support.
