Idwal was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours.
The 98-year-old has raised tens of thousands of pounds, along with other members of the Llanelli and District Hospital Friends, and has written a book about his local area – Gone but not Forgotten, which saw all funds donated to the Friends.
Mr Davies said: “The honour is something that I had never considered, but I am pleased that I will have it. I was delighted when I received the letter. I have done a lot of things for the community, but I didn’t do things like that to get a reward or something like that. I did this because I enjoy doing it.”
“I have been involved in so many things in Llanelli over the years, from the Llanelli Goods Shed project, to the local swimming club and historical society – you name it, I’ve done it. Getting the letter from the Cabinet Office about the BEM was completely out of the blue, a complete surprise, I had no idea, but I am very pleased.”
Llanelli MP, Dame Nia Griffth said she was “absolutely delighted” to see Idwal awarded the honour, saying it recognised his “unstinting contribution to Llanelli both documenting our town’s history and many hours of service to the League of Friends of Llanelli Hospital”.
