Ioan Mabbutt from Aberystwyth wins Coleg Cymraeg 'Defi Fet' Scholarship

Ioan Mabbutt

Ioan Mabbutt, 18, from Aberystwyth, has won a scholarship worth £2,500 to study Veterinary Medicine through the medium of Welsh. 

The 'Defi Fet' Scholarship is awarded annually to support a student studying veterinary medicine through the medium of Welsh at the School of Veterinary Sciences at Aberystwyth University, the only university in Wales where Veterinary Medicine can be studied.

Ioan, who is a former pupil at Ysgol Gyfun Penweddig, Aberystwyth, said,

"I've been interested in caring for animals since I was a little boy visiting my grandfather's farm in Llanwrtyd Wells.

"I've seen how diseases can affect farm animals and livelihoods 

"I've been on work experience spending time with vets to understand and learn more about TB, so I'm looking forward to building on my experience and hopefully contributing to making a difference in the field."

The scholarship was established jointly between the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol and Aberystwyth University in memory of a well-known and highly respected veterinarian from the Llandysul area, the late DGE Davies, known locally as 'Defi Fet.'

Ioan added,

"It is an incredible privilege to receive the scholarship to study Veterinary Medicine through the medium of Welsh, and I am very grateful to the Coleg Cymraeg and to the family of the late DGE Davies for the opportunity.

"After completing my degree, I hope to gain new experiences working abroad before returning to Wales to develop a career and work through the medium of Welsh. "

Dr Dylan Phillips, Director of Higher Education and Secretary of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, said:

"I would like to congratulate Ioan on winning this year's Defi Fet Scholarship. We are delighted to offer a scholarship that supports students to study Veterinary Medicine through the medium of Welsh.

"The Coleg's vision is to create and develop opportunities for everyone in all fields to study through the medium of Welsh in order to provide essential language skills for future workers in Wales.  

"We wish Ioan every success in his studies at Aberystwyth University, and would like to thank Elaine and her family for the incredibly generous financial donation in memory of her father, who will support Ioan over the next five years."

Professor Darrell Abernethy, Head of Aberystwyth University's School of Veterinary Sciences, said:

“We’re delighted to congratulate Ioan Mabbutt as this year’s Defi Fet awardee. His commitment to veterinary science and to serving Welsh communities makes him a fitting recipient of this special scholarship.

“A core part of our vision for Wales' first School of Veterinary Sciences here in Aberystwyth is that it serves the unique needs of our rural economy and Welsh-speaking communities. 

“We are proud to work alongside the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol to strengthen our Welsh language provision, and sincerely grateful to Elaine and the family for their continued generosity.”

For more information or to apply for the Defi Fet Veterinary Scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year visit the Coleg's website

Share