Max Boyce and local heroes celebrated at St David Awards

Welsh legend Max Boyce MBE and Wales’ most-capped footballer Jess Fishlock MBE were celebrated at the 2026 St David Awards, sharing the spotlight with a remarkable group of winners from communities across South West Wales.

Now in its 13th year, the awards celebrate the extraordinary achievements of people from all walks of life.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “It has been a privilege to honour all of this year’s winners who make me even more proud to be Welsh. They are an inspiration to us all.”

Here are the winners from the Swansea Bay region and beyond:

Young Person Award: Cian Evans

Cian Evans from Pontardawe received the Young Person Award for his incredible fundraising efforts in the face of unimaginable tragedy. After surviving a devastating car crash that killed his mother and unborn sister, Cian has raised thousands of pounds for the Wales Air Ambulance, which helped save his life. His resilience and determination have been described as an inspiration.

Bravery Award: The Teachers of Ysgol Dyffryn Aman

Liz Hopkin, Fiona Elias, and Darrel Campbell were jointly awarded the Bravery award for their heroic actions during the terrifying knife attack at the Carmarthenshire school in April 2024. The three staff members put themselves in harm’s way to protect pupils, with Liz Hopkin sustaining multiple stab wounds while continuing to act decisively.

Community Champion Award: Faith in Families

Swansea-based charity Faith in Families won the Community Champion award. The judges recognised their incredible work supporting some of the city’s most deprived neighbourhoods through their Community Cwtches and the launch of Cwtch Mawr, Wales’ first Multibank, which has distributed over a million essential items to families in need.

Innovation, Science and Technology Award: Professor Joanne Davies

Professor Joanne Davies, Head of Simulation at Swansea University, won the Innovation, Science and Technology award. Her work in transforming medical training in Wales through cutting-edge simulation was praised for improving patient safety and preparing clinicians for real-world pressures.

Public Service Award: Dr Tipswalo Day

Dr Tipswalo Day, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Glangwili General Hospital in Carmarthen, was awarded the Public Service award for her pioneering work to reduce stillbirths and birth-related brain injuries. She also founded Race Matters in Maternity, Wales’ first conference tackling inequalities in maternal care.

Other Winners

• Culture Award: Max Boyce MBE
• Sport Award: Jess Fishlock MBE
• Business Award: de Novo Solutions
• Environment Champion Award: Deorfa Cynrig Hatchery
• Volunteering Award: Brian Jones
• First Minister’s Special Award: Henry Engelhardt CBE and Diane Briere de l’Isle Engelhardt OBE

Gavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones gets a ‘tidy’ welcome at the St David Awards

The Bridgend-born co-writer of the show wondered ‘what’s occurring’ when she was celebrated for her massive success in capturing the heart of the nation and putting an international spotlight on Wales.

The programme was watched by millions of people and Ruth was recognised at the St David Awards for her outstanding contribution to cultural life of Wales.

The star was joined by Llanberis Mountain Rescue team, who were awarded for their extraordinary dedication to saving people’s lives.

In its 12th year the national awards of Wales recognised people from across the country in areas like volunteering, bravery, business and the community.

Judges commended Llanberis Mountain Rescue team for their bravery, saying it was crucial for mountain safety.

Other winners include Justin Biggs who risked his life by rescuing two people from inside a car, which was upside down in the water near Cardiff Bay Yacht club.

Speaking at the ceremony at the Senedd, First Minister, Eluned Morgan said: “I am thrilled to celebrate the huge success that Ruth Jones has achieved, she has showcased the warmth and wit of the Welsh people. We are proud to have such a huge talent here.”

“Ruth Jones (through Ness in Gavin and Stacey) has given us permission to laugh at ourselves as Welsh people, and at the quirky things we do and say, and because of that we have become more confident and relaxed as a nation which has led to an outpouring of love for the Welsh people across the world.”

“Ruth Jones has done more to put our country on the map than anyone else in decades – and we could not be more proud of her.”

“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.”

Chair of the St David Awards 2025 Advisory Panel Professor Jean White CBE said: “Being part of the judging process is sometimes emotional when you hear stories of bravery and people overcoming adversity to succeed. It makes me feel very proud to be Welsh.”

All winners received a St David Awards trophy designed and made by leading ceramic artist Daniel Boyle from Ceredigion.

The winners are:

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