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

Jess Fishlock to retire after record-setting international football career with Wales

Jess Fishlock, Wales' greatest female footballer, has announced her retirement from international football. At 38, she is the country's all-time top scorer with 48 goals and will play her 166th and final match for Wales in a friendly against Australia on 22 October at Cardiff City Stadium. Fishlock ... [More info]

Wales suffer heavy defeat to France as Euro 2025 hopes fade

Rhian Wilkinson’s side produced a spirited first-half performance but were ultimately undone by a clinical French outfit, who now top Group D with two wins from two.

France took the lead inside seven minutes when Clara Mateo volleyed home after Wales failed to clear a third successive corner. But Wales responded swiftly — Ceri Holland broke the offside trap and squared for Jess Fishlock, whose close-range finish was initially ruled out before being awarded following a VAR check.

Fishlock’s goal was not only Wales’ first at a major tournament, but also made her the oldest scorer in Women’s EURO history, aged 38 years and 176 days.

Wales matched France for much of the first half, showing composure in possession and threatening on the counter. However, a late challenge by Holland on Mateo gifted France a penalty just before the break, which Kadidiatou Diani converted — her scuffed effort trickling past Safia Middleton-Patel, who got a foot to it.

France extended their lead early in the second half when Middleton-Patel hesitated with the ball at her feet, allowing Mateo to steal possession and set up Amel Majri for a composed finish. Grace Geyoro added a fourth on 63 minutes, tapping in Diani’s cross.

Despite the scoreline, Middleton-Patel made several key saves to prevent further damage, and Sophie Ingle returned to action late on following a year-long injury layoff.

Wales must now beat England by four goals and hope France defeat the Netherlands to have any chance of progressing — a scenario Wilkinson herself described as “miracle territory.”

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