St David Awards Honour Exceptional Welsh Citizens
The annual St David Awards have recently been conferred to a remarkable group of Welsh citizens for their outstanding achievements. Presented by the First Minister at a ceremony held at the Senedd, these awards, established in 2014, acknowledge extraordinary accomplishments by individuals in Wales. First Minister Eluned Morgan shared her delight, expressing, “This year’s awards are my first as First Minister, making it really special to me. It has been a privilege to celebrate an amazing group of talented and courageous people. The finalists are an inspiration to us all.”
Among the recipients was Ruth Jones, known for her role as Nessa in the beloved sitcom Gavin and Stacey, who was honoured with the First Minister’s Special Award for her contributions to Welsh culture and bringing international attention to Wales. The award categories included Business, Bravery, Community Champion, Culture, Environment, Innovation, Science and Technology, Public Service, Sport, Volunteer, Young Person, and the First Minister’s Special Award. The majority of awards are nominated by the public, with final selections made by the First Minister.
In the category of Bravery, Justin Biggs was recognised for his heroic act of rescuing individuals trapped in a submerged car in Cardiff Bay. Despite the risks, Biggs valiantly entered the water and successfully saved two lives. The Business award was presented to Bad Wolf Ltd, a Cardiff-based TV drama production company committed to fostering Welsh talent and showcasing Welsh locations in their productions, such as Dope Girls and Doctor Who.
Paul Bromwell, a Falklands War veteran, received the Community Champion award for his dedication to supporting vulnerable veterans through the Valley Veterans charity. In the realm of Culture, renowned photojournalist David Hurn was honoured for his impactful contributions to the field, including capturing iconic moments in history with his lens. Peter Stanley was recognised as the Environment Champion for his significant efforts in addressing metal mine pollution and promoting environmental conservation.
Immunoserv, a biotechnology company based in Cardiff, received the award for Innovation, Science, and Technology for their development of T cell testing kits. Patrick Watts, a paediatric ophthalmologist, was acknowledged for his contributions to public services, particularly in paediatric eye care and child protection. Meanwhile, Olympic track cyclist Emma Finucane MBE was celebrated for her exceptional sporting achievements, including winning three medals for Team GB at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team was honoured in the Volunteering category for their tireless efforts in providing emergency assistance to individuals in peril in the mountainous regions of Snowdonia. Young Person Dylan Buller was recognised for his personal growth and positive impact on others during his time at the Young Persons Unit in HMP YOI Parc. Ruth Jones was also bestowed with the First Minister’s Special Award for her exceptional success in the entertainment industry and for promoting Welsh culture globally.
The St David Awards serve as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable individuals who contribute to the betterment of Welsh society. These recipients inspire others through their courage, creativity, innovation, and selflessness, embodying the spirit of Welsh excellence and resilience. The awards highlight the diverse talents and contributions of Welsh citizens across various sectors, showcasing the wealth of talent and dedication present in Wales.
By recognising and honouring these individuals, the St David Awards not only celebrate their achievements but also inspire others to strive for excellence and make a positive impact on their communities. The recipients of these awards exemplify the values of courage, compassion, innovation, and service to others, serving as role models for future generations of Welsh citizens. The St David Awards ceremony serves as a testament to the enduring spirit and talent of the Welsh people, showcasing the best of Wales on a national and international stage.