I was born in the town of Rhymney in South Wales. I attended the university of Birmingham and graduated with a medical degree.
After working for several years in various hospitals, I entered general medical practice in Merthyr Tydfil and continued there for forty years. As well as clinical practice, I was also involved in medical education at both undergraduate and post graduate level. I was later elected to the advisory body, first to the Secretary of state for Wales and subsequently the Welsh Assembly Government. From 2000 to 2005 I was the chief professional advisor in medicine. In 2005, I was awarded the OBE for services to medicine.
I was born into a dog owning family but lost contact with dogs during University and working in hospitals which meant frequent changes of addresses. When I became a GP, my wife and I were able to have a dog . We had a series of rescue dogs from our local RSPCA Animal Centre.
We had always wanted a Bedlington Terrier and twenty years ago acquired our first one, Larry (Bakabaks Born to be Wild). We were persuaded to enter the “show world” which we did under the Pengerrig affix. Our dogs were always pets first and show dogs second. Despite this, we have had reasonable success in the show ring.
I have served as a committee member, President and now as Chairman of the Midland Bedlington Terrier Club. I am the treasurer of the Bedlington Terrier Health group. I judge the breed at Championship Show level and I am a member of the Kennel Club.
Other than dogs, I have always enjoyed sport, especially rugby and boxing. After retiring from work I had more time for my other interests. I am chairman of the Merthyr Tydfil Heritage Trust, a member of the board of the Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Trust and vice chair of our local Credit Union.
I feel it a great honour to be asked to act as Patron of The Bedlington Terrier Rescue Foundation and intend to offer the organisation my full support.
Dr Hefin Jones OBE
BTRF Patron