Swansea Bay’s unsung heroes lead the way as St David Awards finalists revealed

The Welsh Government has unveiled the finalists for Wales’ national honours, now in their 13th year, celebrating extraordinary people who have changed lives, saved lives, and shaped communities across the country.

While the awards span the whole of Wales, this year’s shortlist is packed with powerful stories from Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Bridgend — a reminder that some of the nation’s most inspiring figures live right here in our corner of Wales.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said the awards “bring together the best of Wales”, adding:

“It’s a privilege to announce the finalists of the St David Awards. It brings together the best of Wales, with fantastic examples of the positive contribution people can make to other people’s lives. We have an incredible list this year, full of inspirational stories and impressive achievements.”

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Senedd on Thursday 26 February 2026.

Bravery: Carmarthenshire teachers who faced down a knife attacker

Few stories in Wales have shaken a community like the knife attack at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in April 2024. Now, three of the staff who protected pupils during the terrifying incident have been shortlisted for the Bravery Award.

Deputy Headteacher Fiona Elias, Additional Learning Needs Coordinator Liz Hopkin, and former Assistant Headteacher Darrel Campbell all suffered injuries or put themselves in harm’s way as they confronted the attacker.

Liz Hopkin sustained multiple stab wounds yet continued to act decisively, helping prevent further tragedy. Fiona Elias returned to work within weeks, supporting traumatised pupils and staff. And Darrel Campbell disarmed the attacker, stopping the violence.

Their courage has already been recognised by the community — now it’s being honoured at a national level.

Also shortlisted is Bridgend’s William Newbury, who fought off three dogs to save a mother and her newborn baby during a violent attack in Cardiff. His actions left him with serious injuries and lasting scars — but he saved two lives.

Community Champion: Swansea’s Faith in Families leads the way

Swansea charity Faith in Families is one of the most recognisable names in community support — and this year it’s up for the Community Champion Award.

In some of the city’s most deprived neighbourhoods, their Community Cwtches offer safe spaces, childcare, training, and family support. But it was the launch of Cwtch Mawr, Wales’ first Multibank, that turned heads across the UK.

In just one year, it generated £28 million in social value, distributed over one million essential items, and supported more than 30,000 families.

Their motto — “Hugs not Handouts” — sums up their approach: dignity first, compassion always.

Culture: Hollywood star, Welsh icon and Swansea youth theatre recognised

The Culture category brings together three very different but equally powerful forces in Welsh culture — a Hollywood star, a national icon and a homegrown youth theatre that has shaped generations.

Luke Evans, born in Pontypool and raised in Aberbargoed, is shortlisted for his achievements as an actor, singer and advocate. From the West End to global blockbusters such as The Hobbit trilogy, Dracula Untold and Beauty and the Beast, he has become one of Wales’ most recognisable faces on screen. He is also a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility and mental health awareness, using his platform to champion inclusivity and self‑acceptance, and has released two studio albums and a memoir, Boy from the Valleys.

Max Boyce MBE, from Glynneath, stands as a legendary figure in Welsh culture. His unique blend of comedy, music and poetry has captured the heart of the nation for decades, celebrating Welsh identity, rugby passion and the spirit of mining communities. His iconic album We All Had Doctors’ Papers topped the UK Albums Chart, and his anthem “Hymns and Arias” still echoes around rugby stadiums.

Alongside them is a true Swansea Bay institution: the West Glamorgan Youth Theatre Company (WGYTC).

Founded in 1975, the company has shaped generations of performers, writers and creatives — including household names like Michael Sheen and Russell T Davies. Today, it continues to nurture more than 75 young people a year, despite funding pressures.

Its impact stretches far beyond the stage. Alumni have gone on to work in education, healthcare and community roles, carrying the confidence and creativity they learned at WGYTC into every corner of Welsh life.

Environment Champion: protecting rivers and wildlife across west Wales

While the Environment category spans Wales, one of the most influential figures shortlisted has deep roots in west Wales.

Gail Davies‑Walsh, CEO of Afonydd Cymru, leads the umbrella body for Wales’ six Rivers Trusts. Her work has helped shape national policy on water quality, agricultural pollution and river restoration — issues that matter deeply to communities across Carmarthenshire, Swansea and Pembrokeshire.

Her leadership has strengthened local river groups, secured vital funding, and raised public awareness of the pressures facing Welsh waterways.

At the heart of Welsh species recovery stands the Cynrig Hatchery team — Dr John Taylor, Oliver Brown, Richard Davies and Haydn Probert of Natural Resources Wales. They rear and restore some of the UK’s most threatened wildlife, including water voles, white‑clawed crayfish, freshwater pearl mussels and Arctic Char, combining scientific skill with relentless day‑to‑day care.

Dani Robertson, Dark Skies Officer for Eryri National Park, is also shortlisted for her work tackling light pollution and protecting Wales’ night skies, while reconnecting people with the stars through public engagement and policy work.

Innovation, Science & Technology: Swansea University’s global impact

Swansea’s contribution to science and innovation is represented by Professor Joanne Davies, Head of Simulation and founding director of SUSIM at Swansea University.

Her work has transformed medical training in Wales, using cutting‑edge simulation and digital platforms to improve patient safety and prepare clinicians for real‑world pressures. Her influence stretches from NHS Wales to international partners in the Middle East and Africa.

The Barrett Centre for Helminth Control at Aberystwyth University is also shortlisted for its world‑leading work on parasitic flatworms, while Wrexham‑based entrepreneur Dr Elin Haf Davies is recognised for her digital health company Aparito, which has revolutionised remote patient monitoring and clinical trials.

Public Service: Carmarthen doctor leading safer maternity care

Carmarthenshire is represented in the Public Service category by Dr Tipswalo Day, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Glangwili General Hospital.

Dr Day has led pioneering work to reduce stillbirths and birth‑related brain injuries, championing teamwork, learning and equitable care. She also founded Race Matters in Maternity, Wales’ first conference tackling inequalities in maternity outcomes.

Her leadership has shaped national policy and improved safety for mothers and babies across Wales.

Also shortlisted are executive headteacher Innes Robinson, recognised for turning around schools in south Wales, Pembrokeshire learning support assistant and wellbeing champion Jan Luke, and prison officer Robert Scott, whose work at HMP Berwyn has helped embed a culture of lifelong learning among staff.

Volunteering: Swansea charity supporting families in crisis

Another powerful local story comes from Swansea’s Advocates and Angels, founded by Bethan Germon in memory of her daughter Lydia.

Entirely volunteer‑run, the charity provides emergency Chrysalis Care Packages to families facing illness, disability, hospital stays or bereavement. They’ve supported more than 10,000 families across Wales, working closely with NHS wards and hospices.

Their work is quiet, compassionate and often unseen — but life‑changing for those who receive it.

They are shortlisted alongside Brian Jones, who has led British International Search and Rescue Dogs for decades, and Therapy Dogs Nationwide co‑founder Eileen Hodge.

Young Person: three inspiring young finalists from Swansea Bay

All three finalists in the Young Person category are from our patch — a remarkable showing for the region.

Anwen‑Grace Rodaway, from Gŵyr, has become a powerful advocate for disabled young people. A former Welsh Youth Parliament member, she has campaigned on autism awareness, led beach cleans, and excelled academically after overcoming severe mental health challenges. Now studying filmmaking, she continues to champion equality and inclusion.

Bowen Cole, a student at Gower College Swansea, is a youth leader, diplomat and advocate for underrepresented voices. He has represented Wales internationally, worked with national media and political leaders, and served as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Officer at the college.

At just 11, Pontardawe’s Cian Evans has raised thousands for charity despite surviving a devastating crash that killed his mother and unborn sister. His fundraising challenges — including the Welsh Three Peaks — have supported counselling services and the Welsh Air Ambulance. His resilience and compassion have inspired communities across Neath Port Talbot and beyond.

A region of heroes

From Carmarthenshire’s frontline NHS staff to Swansea’s community champions, from young people overcoming adversity to teachers who risked their lives to protect children — the Swansea Bay region is at the heart of this year’s St David Awards.

The ceremony takes place on 26 February 2026 at the Senedd.