Recognising good deeds, dedication and heroism
THEIR stories are nothing short of inspirational – and now their good deeds, dedication and heroism have been recognised.
The St David Awards are the national awards of Wales, which recognise the extraordinary achievements and contributions of people in, or from, Wales and from all walks of life.
The award categories are: bravery, citizenship, culture, enterprise, innovation, science and technology, international, sport and young person.
First Minister Mark Drakeford announced the finalists at a ceremony at the Wales Millennium Centre yesterday.
He said: “Being involved with the St David Awards for the first time, I was struck by the inspiring talent Wales has across so many different areas.
“These awards are a celebration, acknowledging some amazing and remarkable people. Each of the finalists have made a significant difference – overcoming adversity and achieving something truly inspirational.
“All of our St David Awards finalists are exceptional – every person and organisation is a credit to our nation. I look forward to celebrating their achievements at the awards ceremony on March 21.”
One of those recognised is Darran Kiley, 49, from Swansea. He was working in The Kingsway on October 29 last year when Raymond Patrick John approached him and a coworker, waving a large knife around.
John left them, but as his co-worker Eddie called police, Darran went after him. When he saw a police car, he flagged it down and was told officers had been aware and were en route. The officer told Darran if he saw the man again he shouldn’t approach him.
As Darran went onto Orchard Street, he saw the man and an officer approaching him. The officer was telling John to put the knife down but he ran, so Darran ran after him, stopping him in his tracks.
It was only when the officer asked where the knife was that Darran remembered he had been armed. “You don’t think,” he said. John had dumped the knife round the corner, but he’d not known that as he approached.
John, of St Helen’s Road, Swansea, admitted possessing a bladed article in a public place when he appeared in court and was sentenced to nine months in prison.
When the police rang to tell Darran the result, the officer told him that all the staff and officers were proud – and told him “Usain Bolt would be too”.
When he returned to work, Darran was given a reprimand by his boss – and later his wife.
“I said, ‘What would you have done?’. It was just instinct,” he said.
Just before Christmas, he was called and told he’d been shortlisted for the awards and said he was shocked.
“It’s amazing, you don’t expect something like this,” he said.
Also nominated in the bravery category were Ceri and Aaron Saunders – a mother and son. Ceri, from Three Crosses, was in Gower when she saw a 10-year-old boy being swept out to sea.
Aaron first tried to rescue the boy, but the current was too strong. Ceri then jumped in. Her heroics at Blue Pool near Broughton Bay, saved his life.
She’s stayed in contact with the family, and is continuing to campaign for signs in the area – something she’s had support for but now wants to see brought to action.
“It’s nice to be acknowledged but what I did was in the spur of the moment,” she said.
Bethan Owen is shortlisted in the young person category. She had travelled to Cardiff with dad Garry and mum Julie.
Julie has had epilepsy since she was 16. The condition is incurable and means she has fits at least every week. Her daughter has grown up being a carer for her mum.
Bethan said: “Every time she had a fit I would cry and I would think the worse. Dad had the hardest job though because he had to look after Mum and me.”
To give herself a break, she followed in her dad’s footsteps and started karate aged seven. By age 12 Bethan was a black belt and a qualified karate instructor. She now runs a not-for-profit karate club and helps train 35 others.
Despite still being 16, selfless Bethan makes sure that those who have less than her get what they need. A few weeks ago, the club made £80 profit, so she spent the money on hoodies and a trophy for children who had gone without.
“It’s definitely given me a lot more confidence,” she said. “When I first started it was a distraction from my responsibilities at home. It took me to a different place. I loved going, made friends, and new people.”
The awards were a great recognition of her hard work, her family said.
Bethan said: “It’s great to be acknowledged for what I do and how many people I’ve helped. Without my students, none of this would have happened.
“I like to see them grow from being quiet and someone who won’t look me in the eye, to them coming in and telling us about everything they’ve done that day”.
Glenys Evans is one of the founding parents of Bobath Children’s Therapy Centre Wales, which provides specialist therapy to children diagnosed with cerebral palsy and support to their families. Her son Thomas has cerebral palsy and Glenys was frustrated by facilities available.
In 1989 they began discussing a group and three years later it started formally. At its first meeting there were 40 parents now it helps 800 children across Wales.
Glenys remains involved in the charity today and has seen huge changes and advances through the three decades.
“It’s been a huge learning curve because this started up for me from my own son’s point of view,” she said.
“He’s at the severe end of the physical spectrum but wasn’t affected by premature birth, so we have learnt all that. When I look at what the charity has achieved now, it’s a humbling experience but it’s mainly pride.
“When I look back at when Thomas was young, I didn’t feel there was much support for us as a family. Now I know families have that.”
The St David Awards ceremony, where winners in each category will be announced, will take place at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay on March 21.