A small toy company on Anglesey that lost £18,000 in a hacking scam, are re-introducing their Welsh-speaking toy Draigi for the Rugby World Cup this year.

Si-Lwli Cymru is well-known for creating the "world's first Welsh singing toy", and is popular with Welsh-speaking children across Wales and further afield.

In June of this year however, the business was struck by financial hardship after being scammed through a "sophisticated" fraud.

Its founders, Awena and Baron Walkden from Menai Bridge, fell victims to an online hacker that intercepted and altered an email that they had sent for an order to a company in China - the only company that was able to create the company's singing toys, Draigi and Seren Swynol.

It was only after Awena transferred the £18,000 fee for an order of their red dragon toy Draigi, that she realised the request for payment was in fact a scam.

Si-lwli Cymru founders, Awena and Baron, set to re-sell their toy dragon Draigi
Si-lwli Cymru founders, Awena and Baron, set to re-sell their toy dragon Draigi

The manufacturers in China revealed they had not received their fee and therefore, the company had to pay an additional £18,000 to release the toys from the site.

Awena described the experience as "puzzling" and "upsetting", and had to remortgage her house in order to pay for the extra money.

When talking to North Wales Live at the time, she said: "It is a heartbreaking situation and still feels really raw.

"A lot of people feel that it's not just an attack on us, but an attack on the Welsh language and Welsh speaking children."

After the hacking scam, Awena and her husband decided to take a break from the business to focus on their newborn child, and were uncertain about Si-Lwli Cymru's future.

"After the hacking scam, me and my husband felt like we had lost all motivation," Awena explained.

"But, we had time to reflect and realised that we did want this.

"The response we have received from so many has also been heartwarming. Even people that don't have children reached out to us.

"People were mortified with what had happened, and others felt protective of the company because of the fact it promoted the Welsh language and culture."

Awena Walkden's daughter, Cari, holding Si-lwli Cymru's toy dragon Draigi

One customer decided to start a crowd funding page. So far, £1,600 has been raised of a £18,000 target.

Awena said: "We were so grateful to everyone that took part, shared and contributed to the funding.

"For that reason, we felt that we couldn't let them down, and decided to carry on with the business."

Si-lwli Cymru's founder Awena Walkden with Leanne Wood showcasing the company's toys

In celebration of the Wales rugby team's on-going success in the World Cup, Awena has decided to re-sell their dragon toy called Draigi on their website.

The dragon is known for singing Welsh-language classics, such as Calon Lân, Sosban Fach, Ar Hyd y Nos, and Hen Wlad fy Nhadau, which can often be heard sung by Welsh crowds during rugby matches.

Awena explained: "We just felt it was right to sell the dragons now, not only for the world cup, but to show our existing and new customers that we are still here for them.

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"Draigi is popular with many, not just with children. I've had non-Welsh speaking parents contacting me and telling me that the dragons have helped them learn Welsh.

"In the past, we've also sold the dragons for people battling with dementia. The songs often remind them of a time in the past, and puts them more at ease.

"The dragon toys have also helped children and young adults with disabilities, and brings them enjoyment.

"We've realised that these toys that produce music has a profound effect on so many, not just children."

Baron Walkden, one of the founders of Si-lwli Cymru packing Draigi toys with a friend

Awena and her husband also intend to create a long-term plan for their company, including designing same styled toys but with different Welsh songs.

"Designing and creating these toys is expensive and time-consuming, so we are realistically thinking about re-starting fully in the next year or two," Awena explained.

"All we want is to see children of the next generation enjoy our toys, and to promote the Welsh language in children's upbringing any way we can."

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