GP is on awards shortlist

A FORMER soldier who saved seven people from a fire and a GP who campaigned for better ventilation in schools during the pandemic are two of five nominees from North Wales shortlisted for this year’s St David Awards.

The awards recognise the extraordinary achievements of people from across Wales.

This year’s awards, on April 7, will be given to people and companies in nine different categories, recognising Bravery, Community Spirit to Innovation, Science and Technology. The First Minister will also give his special award.

There are two nominees from North Wales in the ‘Critical Worker’ category. The first of which is for Dr Eilir Hughes whose nominations reads: “A GP that founded the Fresh Air Wales campaign to promote the importance of ventilation, especially in schools, and maskwearing to reduce the risk of spreading and catching Covid 19.”

The second nomination is for Ysgol Esceifiog in Gaerwen whose listing reads: “A school which gave support to a family in their school following a terminal diagnosis for one of their pupils. They ensured support was provided to the siblings in school as well as supporting other pupils who were affected by their friend’s illness.”

Aaron Gray from Prestatyn has been nominated in the ‘Bravery’ category after saving his neighbours from a house fire. “A father saved seven neighbours from a fire just minutes before their house was engulfed in flames. Aaron saw the blaze, after being woken by his three-year-old son at 5am. The former soldier rushed over and roused the two women and five children inside the bungalow in Prestatyn,” his nomination reads.

In the ‘Business’ category, Jordan Lea from Llandudno was nominated for his community interest company Deal Me Out.

Siop Griffiths, Penygroes has been nominated in the ‘Community Spirit’ category. The nomination reads: “A community enterprise in Penygroes, Dyffryn Nantlle in Gwynedd that has helped create local solutions to the challenges facing the Nantlle Valley and to give young people opportunities to stay and thrive in their community.”