Nurse among local heroes recognised in honours list

A NURSE from Pontypridd honoured for services to children and young people is among three Valleys recipients in the New Year’s Honours list.

Diane Gail Curtis, Teifwen Mary George and Ellen Maisie Mann joined scores of Welsh recipients in the annual list.

Ms Curtis, from Pontypridd, a manager at Bowel Screening Wales, was honoured for services to cancer patients while Ms George, from Aberdare was given the accolade for services to equality, young people, charity and the community in Merthyr Tydfil.

Ms Mann, a nurse from Pontypridd, who works for Cwm Taf University Health Board, was honoured for services to children and young people.

Perhaps the most famous name honoured in the 2017 list was rugby star Sam Warburton, who captained the British and Irish Lions for a second time this summer, and was awarded the Order of the British Empire.

Joining the Cardiff Blues flanker on the list are teachers who have turned around failing schools, an Army veteran who now helps coach others, and more.

There were also police officers, ambulance staff, charity workers, politicians, soldiers, scientists and volunteers.

In a statement posted on Twitter, Cardiff Blues flanker Warburton, 29, said: “I am overwhelmed, privileged and very proud to be appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

“This recognition is the pinnacle of my career as it is not only a personal honour but it is as much an award for my teammates and coaches at all levels as it is for me.”

He also said achievement would the not have been possible without the people around him, “who have shaped my life in rugby”.

Warburton’s coach at the Blues, Danny Wilson, said he was a “great role model”.

“It’s a fantastic recognition of a player who has done all there is to do in the game,” said Wilson. “He’s captained the Lions twice on two successful tours. He’s a great role model in terms of how to act professionally and he’s got an edge that you need.

“But away from the rugby field, he’s got time for everybody.

“I have been on a couple of things like hospital visits with Sam and he is phenomenal.

“He’s a lovely man who certainly goes the extra mile for people.”