Born in Bangor, Caernarvonshire, she was educated at the Abbey School in Malvern and in 1969 married John Feld, with whom she had two children.

In 1981, following the break-up of her marriage, she took a job in her native Wales – founding and becoming the first Director of Shelter Cymru.

Her oversight ensured that the enabling legislation for devolution, Government of Wales Act 1998, included clauses requiring equal opportunities.

[1] She was subsequently elected as a Member of the National Assembly for Wales for Swansea East, and served in that position from 1999 to July 2001.

[5] First Minister Rhodri Morgan said of her, "I believe I speak for the whole of Wales when I say that the death of Val Feld is a grievous blow for us all".