Tunisia hero to be given freedom of the borough
A MAN who was shot three times by a gunman during a terror attack is to be given the freedom of Rhondda Cynon Taff next week.
Mathew James, from Pontypridd, was shot on a Tunisian beach in June 2015 after throwing himself in front of partner Saera Wilson to shield her.
The gas engineer’s brave actions have rightly earned him a hero status – and RCT council is now officially recognising that with the accolade.
It is the highest accolade the local authority can bestow on a resident or group and it is granted for outstanding achievement.
The ceremony will take place at the Park and Dare Theatre in Treorchy at 2pm on Monday.
The event is being hosted by Welsh folk singer Frank Hennessy, while Tonypandy-born West End singer and actress Sophie Evans will sing at the ceremony.
There will also be performances from Ysgol Gyfun Cymer Rhondda and Dolau Primary School.
Mathew was selected for the accolade in March this year alongside boxing champion David William “Dai” Dower MBE, who was born in Abercynon.
A spokesman for RCT council said: “The council’s cross party Freedom of the Borough Committee met recently to consider three nominations for the bestowing of the Freedom of the Borough.
“The committee has made a recommendation that Mathew James and Dai Dower receive the Freedom of the Borough.”
A third proposal for the Freedom of the Borough, Welsh singing legend Tom Jones, was not put forward.
Monday’s special event for Mathew James will be followed by the inaugural Rhondda Cynon Taf Good Citizen Awards.