On 21 October 1966, as a primary school and surrounding homes in Aberfan were engulfed by slurry from a collapsed coal tip, a dinner lady was collecting money from pupils.
Within moments, 144 people were dead, including 116 children, on what was the last day of class at Pantglas Junior School before the half-term holiday.
But five children were saved that day by the heroic actions of Nansi Williams, who died shielding the group.
“Apparently she was holding as much of us as she could, and trying to get us under a table,” said Aberfan survivor Paul Harries, who has spoken to the media for the first time.
Harries, who was aged six at the time, was one of the five who was found alive under Williams’ body.
“She gave everything to give us a future, and she lost everything, he said.
“Nansi Williams was a hero. A true hero. My hero.”
He continued: “If it hadn’t been for Nansi Williams, then instead of 116 children dying that morning it would have been 121.
“It would have been us, 100%.”
As the 60th anniversary of the disaster approaches, Williams will be honoured with a purple plaque, external to commemorate her courage.
