Helen Langley, 55, was diagnosed with stage four cancer in three places in 2017 and the illness has forced her to miss out on watching Warren Gatland’s side in live action.
Mrs Langley had been to every Wales home game at Principality Stadium for the last 12 years prior to 2017, summing up her huge passion for the national team.
With her mother missing out on watching her beloved Wales, Mrs Langley’s daughter Laura wrote to Oil 4 Wales – where Lydiate is an ambassador – to see if he could send an autograph.
The Ospreys flanker – who has won 64 caps for Wales and three for the Lions – topped that as he was joined by former Wales and Scarlets back-row ace Dafydd Jones in making Mrs Langley’s day.
“I’ve been a huge Wales fan all my life and going to watch the team in Cardiff meant so much to me,” said Mrs Langley, who lives in the village of Gilwern.
“Unfortunately I haven’t been able to make it to any of the matches over the last year or so due to my illness. To have a player like Dan take the time to make a personal visit means so much to me.
“I can’t quite believe he knocked on my door and with Dafydd Jones there as well. I’m very grateful.” Mrs Langley has two children – 31-year-old Richard and Laura, 29. She also has two granddaughters – Caitlin-Alice, 10 and Kadie-Alex, who is just seven months.
Both Caitlin-Alice and Kadie-Alex joined Mrs Langley in posing for pictures with Lydiate and Jones. Lydiate said: “Welsh rugby fans are the life and soul of the game in Wales and they mean so much to every player who is lucky enough to wear the red shirt.
“When I heard about Helen’s story I had to come and visit her. To go to every home game for 12 years is an incredible achievement and I told her the players were very grateful for her support.
“Unfortunately illness has meant Helen hasn’t been able to make it down to Principality Stadium recently, but hopefully she could still enjoy the team’s Guinness Six Nations Grand Slam win this year.
“It was a pleasure to meet Helen, Laura and their extended family. As rugby players it’s important we give back to our fans and this was just a small gesture I was delighted to make.”
Jones, who won 42 Wales caps and scored two tries before retiring in 2011, is also an Oil 4 Wales ambassador. He said: “Dan was the star attraction, but it was amazing for me to hear about Helen’s unbelievable passion for Welsh rugby.
“Both Dan and I wished her all the best. It’s supporters like her that make the game in Wales what it is.”
