Brave police officers who saved woman up for award

TWO brave police officers who risked their own lives to save a woman from a burning building are among those shortlisted for a prestigious national award.

The St David Awards, which started in 2014, recognise the achievements of people and organisations throughout Wales.

Among the 24 nominees in eight categories are PC Christopher Bluck and PC Rhys Edwards, from South Wales Police.

They are nominated after they dragged a woman to safety from a fire in a property in Bridgend and having no regard for their own safety in the process.

After being called to the scene in March last year, the two officers noticed smoke was coming from under a bedroom door.

Forcing entry, they found the woman had set the room and herself on fire and was holding a gun.

But they managed to pull the woman out of the property and drove her to hospital. The weapon was later discovered to be a BB gun.

Also shortlisted is Anthony Evans, 52, from Cwmbach in the Cynon Valley.

He has campaigned tirelessly on behalf of his son Arwel, 19, who has severe cerebral palsy, and others in a similar position, to have access to post-19 education.

As a result of the campaign, a college was opened in South Wales last year.

“It is nice to be recognised, but I don’t feel like I have done anything special,” Mr Evans insisted.

“It’s just something I’ve done for my son and others like him. Arwel has got the ability to learn and he wants to learn.”

The Treorchy-based Cory Band – one of the world’s most renowned brass bands – is also nominated.

“We have just been given the freedom of the borough [of Rhondda Cynon Taff] and it’s an honour and a privilege to be recognised for something away from the music itself,” said trustee Austin Davies.

Dr David Nott, who takes unpaid leave every year to carry out surgery on war front lines in places such as Syria, is among the other people on the list.

Lifesavers from the police and fire service are nominated, while Dyfed-Powys Police Special Constable Cairn NewtonEvans, previously a victim of homophobia, is nominated after his experiences prompted him to join the force.

The finalists were unveiled at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay yesterday by First Minister Carwyn Jones in eight award categories: bravery, citizenship, culture, enterprise, innovation, science and technology, international, sport, and young person.

Mr Jones said: “The St David Awards, now in their fourth year, are all about celebrating people who have gone the extra mile to make a difference to someone else’s life, overcome adversity or achieved something truly inspirational.

“Once again, the St David Awards finalists are an exceptional group of people. Every single one is a credit to Wales – it is going to be tough to choose the winners.”