On Christmas Day in Wales, while most people are preparing to celebrate with family and loved ones, there are many selfless individuals who will be working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of others. From healthcare workers to firefighters, police officers to animal welfare officers, these dedicated professionals will be sacrificing their own festive celebrations to make sure everyone else can enjoy theirs.
Richard Byers, a water assets controller at Welsh Water, will be working a 12-hour shift on Christmas Day to ensure the smooth operation of water treatment works and systems. Despite missing precious moments with his family, Byers plans to make up for it by spending quality time with them in the days leading up to Christmas and enjoying festive activities together.
Sian Burton, an RSPCA animal rescue officer, will be on call to respond to any animal cruelty or neglect cases that may arise on Christmas Day. Despite the challenging nature of her work, Burton remains dedicated to helping animals in need and ensuring their welfare, even during the holiday season.
Carwyn Thomas, a firefighter at Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, will be on duty on Christmas Day, ready to respond to any emergencies that may occur. Thomas acknowledges the difficulty of being away from his family during the festive season but takes pride in serving his community and keeping them safe.
PC Hannah Jones, a dog handler for Dyfed-Powys Police, will be working with her canine partner, Rogue, on Christmas Day to ensure public safety. Jones emphasises the importance of being available to respond to calls and assist those in need, even during the holiday period.
At Matthew’s House in Swansea, volunteers will be serving Christmas dinner to vulnerable individuals who may otherwise go without a meal on Christmas Day. Project leader Thom Lynch and his team work tirelessly to provide support and a sense of community to those in need during the festive season.
In Port Talbot, the RNLI team, including father and son Clive and Joe Morris, will be on call 24/7 over the Christmas period to respond to any maritime emergencies. The dedicated crew members understand the importance of their work in saving lives and remain committed to their duty, even on Christmas Day.
At Wales Air Ambulance bases across the country, medics and pilots will be ready to respond to medical emergencies, ensuring the safety of people in Wales. Despite being away from their families, the air ambulance team remains focused on providing life-saving care to those in need, even on Christmas Day.
These individuals exemplify the true spirit of dedication and sacrifice, putting the safety and well-being of others above their own holiday celebrations. Their selfless actions on Christmas Day and throughout the year deserve recognition and gratitude from the community they serve.