#glangwilihospital — Public Fediverse posts

CARMARTHEN: Glangwili Hospital faces £82m repair backlog as Wales-wide NHS maintenance bill nears £1bn

Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen is sitting on an £82 million backlog of high and significant risk maintenance and repairs — part of a Wales-wide bill that has now reached nearly £1 billion, new figures reveal.

New data from NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership shows the total backlog has grown to £917 million — a 71% rise in just four years — with more than £616 million needed to fix the most serious issues at twelve of Wales’ thirteen main hospitals.

Hywel Dda University Health Board, which runs Glangwili along with Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli, Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest and Bronglais in Aberystwyth, carries a combined backlog of £221 million across its four main hospitals. A detailed breakdown of the figures paints a stark picture of the estate:

Glangwili in Carmarthen has a total high and significant risk backlog of £82,097,174 across its 377 beds, with 65% of its space aged 50 years or more. Of that figure, £3.6 million is classified as high risk and £78.5 million as significant risk.

Withybush in Haverfordwest — which declared a major incident in 2023 after the discovery of potentially defective RAAC concrete in its structure, leading to ward closures — has a backlog of £63,055,228 across 211 beds. Some 74% of its space is aged 50 years or more, and £22.4 million of its backlog is classified as high risk — the largest high-risk share of the four hospitals.

Withybush General Hospital in Haverfordwest. Image: Hywel Dda University Health Board

Bronglais in Aberystwyth has a backlog of £37,381,068 across 170 beds, with 63% of its space aged 50 years or more and more than 40% of its space not considered fire safety compliant.

Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli has a backlog of £25,017,426 across 264 beds. Notably, none of its space is aged 50 years or more, though £6.6 million of its backlog is classified as high risk.

The figures, covering 2024-25, show more than 30 NHS sites across Wales have more than half of their buildings predating the birth of the NHS in 1948. The only hospital with no maintenance problems is the recently-opened £350 million Grange Hospital near Cwmbran — the first major new hospital built in Wales in 20 years, and one that took decades from first proposal to opening.

Mark Dayan, a policy analyst at the Nuffield Trust health think tank, described the situation in Wales as a “worryingly large backlog of maintenance by anyone’s standards” — more than twice what the entire NHS in Wales spends in a year on all buildings and permanent equipment. He warned that the condition of buildings can have “a really limiting effect on healthcare,” particularly when health boards want to reconfigure services or shift planned care to reduce waiting times.

Carl Peters-Bond, independent Senedd candidate for Sir Gaerfyrddin, said the figures came as no surprise given the direction of travel in Hywel Dda. “The lack of investment at Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli and Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen is not unexpected, considering the health board’s intention to spend billions on a replacement hospital far away from where the majority of patients live,” he said.

Peters-Bond argues that the current health board and trust system is failing communities through bureaucracy and duplication, and is calling for a single integrated NHS for Wales with social services brought under the same umbrella. “Bureaucracy is breaking families — and that must change,” he said. “I believe in cutting waste, joining up services, and making sure resources go where they’re needed most. By sharing resources across the country, services can be provided in communities where they’re needed.”

With the Senedd election less than a month away, the state of NHS Wales buildings has become a battleground across the parties.

Welsh Labour is pledging a £4 billion Hospitals of the Future fund to build new hospitals across Wales over the next ten years. The fund includes a “hospital development in west Wales” which, as we reported in March, appears to refer to Hywel Dda’s long-standing and controversial proposal for a new urgent and planned care hospital near St Clears or Whitland in Carmarthenshire — a scheme that would see Glangwili and Withybush downgraded to community hospitals. The party says it will also continue making capital available to health boards to maintain the existing estate in the meantime.

Plaid Cymru called the backlog “eye watering” but said Labour’s pledge “simply doesn’t add up.” Health spokesman Mabon ap Gwynfor described it as “nothing more than another empty promise from Labour that once again won’t be delivered,” and said Plaid would prioritise tackling the high-risk maintenance backlog and carry out urgent repairs to protect the safety of staff and patients, assessing the estate on a case-by-case basis.

Reform UK’s James Evans said crumbling buildings, burst sewage pipes and rodents in hospitals were “completely unacceptable” and called for the Welsh government’s capital budget to be prioritised on clearing the maintenance backlog rather than promising new hospitals. Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar said his party would declare a health emergency and invest in extra capacity including new community hospitals, diagnostic centres and surgical hubs. The Welsh Liberal Democrats said they would prioritise upgrading the worst parts of the NHS estate, backing a replacement for the University Hospital of Wales while linking capital investment to reforms in social care. The Green Party called the backlog “a disgrace” and pledged a multi-year programme to bring existing facilities up to a safe, modern standard.

Whatever the complexion of the incoming Welsh government after May’s election, the NHS estate it inherits will present an immediate and expensive challenge.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Welsh Labour’s £4bn election pledge could revive controversial new Whitland or St Clears hospital plan
Labour’s flagship hospital fund appears to include Hywel Dda’s long-standing proposal for a new hospital in Carmarthenshire.

Calls grow for urgent investment in west Wales hospitals as new-build plan pushed back a decade
Campaigners warn existing sites need major upgrades after the new hospital plan was delayed by ten years.

Glangwili to become regional hub as health bosses centralise emergency surgery and stroke services
Controversial plans approved by Hywel Dda will see Glangwili take on emergency surgery from across the region.

Withybush Hospital declares major incident after concerns over building’s concrete structure
Three wards at Withybush were closed after potentially defective RAAC concrete was discovered in the hospital’s structure.

#BronglaisHospital #CarlPetersBond #GlangwiliHospital #hospitalMaintenance #HywelDdaNHS #PrincePhilipHospital #SeneddElection #SeneddElection2026 #WithybushHospital

CARMARTHEN: £2m hospital unit to reopen in bid to ease A&E pressure

A refurbished Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) unit at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen will reopen to patients on Monday, March 30, in what health chiefs say is a major step towards easing pressure on overstretched emergency services.

The unit has undergone significant improvements backed by more than £2 million in Welsh Government funding, with changes designed to speed up care and improve the experience for both patients and staff.

Health board bosses say the upgraded facility will play a crucial role in reducing demand on the hospital’s busy Emergency Department, which has faced ongoing strain in recent years.

The investment has delivered additional consultation rooms, a revamped reception area and a more modern environment aimed at making visits less stressful for patients.

Newly refurbished reception area inside the Same Day Emergency Care unit at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen
(Image: Hywel Dda)

The move comes amid mounting pressure on services, with Glangwili already earmarked as a regional hub for emergency surgery and stroke care as part of wider plans to turn it into a major acute centre for west Wales.

The reopening also marks the return of several services that were temporarily relocated during the refurbishment work.

These include the Discharge Lounge, Medical Day Unit and the Primary Care Out of Hours service, all of which will move back into the upgraded SDEC building.

Specialist cancer support services will also return, including the Cancer Information and Support Service and the Cancer Psychological Support Service.

Patients accessing podiatry, neuro-rehabilitation and occupational therapy services will also see a return to normal access routes after months of disruption.

One of the upgraded treatment rooms at Glangwili’s Same Day Emergency Care unit following the £2m refurbishment
(Image: Hywel Dda)

Health board director Keith Jones said the changes are expected to improve patient flow and reduce bottlenecks in urgent care.

He added that the improvements should help staff deliver a “smoother and swifter experience” for those attending the hospital.

The investment builds on wider upgrades at the site, including a previously reported £2m scheme to improve facilities and ease pressure on A&E, as well as separate plans to modernise diagnostic services such as X-ray facilities.

Welsh Government has said the funding forms part of a broader push to improve hospital environments and ensure patients are treated more quickly.

Patients attending appointments in the coming weeks are being urged to check their letters carefully, as clinic locations may have changed with services moving back into the refurbished unit.

Clear signage will be in place across the hospital, and staff will be on hand to help direct visitors to the correct departments.

While the reopening is being welcomed, it comes as health services across west Wales continue to face high demand, with hospitals under sustained pressure to meet growing patient needs.

The hope for local residents is that the revamped SDEC unit will help ease some of that strain and deliver quicker care when it matters most.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Carmarthen: Glangwili to become regional hub as health bosses centralise emergency surgery and stroke services
Major service changes show how Glangwili is becoming a key hospital for west Wales.

£2m upgrade begins at Glangwili Hospital to ease pressure on A&E
Earlier investment aimed at tackling rising demand in the hospital’s emergency department.

Glangwili’s X-ray facilities set for upgrade
Diagnostic improvements form part of wider plans to modernise services at the hospital.

#CancerInformationAndSupportService #CancerPsychologicalSupportService #Carmarthen #DischargeLounge #GlangwiliHospital #HywelDdaUniversityHealthBoard #MedicalDayUnit #neuroRehabilitation #occupationalTherapy #podiatry #PrimaryCareOutOfHoursService #SameDayEmergencyCareUnit

Welsh Labour’s £4bn election pledge could revive controversial new Whitland or St Clears hospital plan

The commitment was made in the party’s manifesto pledges for the forthcoming Senedd elections, launched by Welsh Labour leader Eluned Morgan in Newport.

The press release states that the new £4bn “Hospitals for the Future Fund” would, over the next 10 years, fund a “hospital development in West Wales” alongside the replacement of the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff and the redevelopment of Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

This appears to refer to Hywel Dda University Health Board’s long-standing and controversial proposal for a new Urgent and Planned Care Hospital to be built near St Clears or Whitland in Carmarthenshire.

Those plans would see key services, including accident and emergency, removed from Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest, which would be downgraded to community hospitals.

Campaigners and local politicians have repeatedly raised concerns about the impact on residents in areas like Llanelli and Ammanford, who would face significantly longer journeys for emergency treatment.

Last year, Swansea Bay News reported that the new-build plan had been pushed back by at least a decade, with Hywel Dda’s chief executive saying he was making a “strong case” to the Welsh Government for immediate investment in existing sites instead.

The inclusion of a “hospital development in West Wales” in Welsh Labour’s flagship election pledge suggests the new-build plan is now firmly back on the agenda if the party wins the election.

In her speech, Eluned Morgan said: “The NHS is not just a service. It’s a promise. And we need to renew that promise. Not with slogans, but with the biggest investment programme in our history. So, we are committing £4 billion to build the Hospitals of the Future.”

She added: “Patients deserve hospitals fit for modern medicine, not more make-do and mend. Staff deserve a working environment that matches their skill and dedication. And Wales deserves an NHS built for the future, not held together by goodwill alone.”

The health board has previously argued that a new, purpose-built hospital would allow it to meet modern healthcare standards, attract staff, and provide more specialist services than are currently available across its existing sites.

Welsh Labour was contacted for clarification on whether the pledge refers specifically to the Hywel Dda new-build proposal.

#ElunedMorganMS #GlangwiliHospital #HywelDdaUniversityHealthBoard #newHospital #PrincePhilipHospital #StClears #WelshLabour #Whitland #WithybushHospital

Max Boyce and local heroes celebrated at St David Awards

Welsh legend Max Boyce MBE and Wales’ most-capped footballer Jess Fishlock MBE were celebrated at the 2026 St David Awards, sharing the spotlight with a remarkable group of winners from communities across South West Wales.

Now in its 13th year, the awards celebrate the extraordinary achievements of people from all walks of life.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “It has been a privilege to honour all of this year’s winners who make me even more proud to be Welsh. They are an inspiration to us all.”

Here are the winners from the Swansea Bay region and beyond:

Young Person Award: Cian Evans

Cian Evans
Winner of the young person award

Cian Evans from Pontardawe received the Young Person Award for his incredible fundraising efforts in the face of unimaginable tragedy. After surviving a devastating car crash that killed his mother and unborn sister, Cian has raised thousands of pounds for the Wales Air Ambulance, which helped save his life. His resilience and determination have been described as an inspiration.

Bravery Award: The Teachers of Ysgol Dyffryn Aman

Liz Hopkin, Fiona Elias, Darrel Campbell
Winners of the Bravery award

Liz Hopkin, Fiona Elias, and Darrel Campbell were jointly awarded the Bravery award for their heroic actions during the terrifying knife attack at the Carmarthenshire school in April 2024. The three staff members put themselves in harm’s way to protect pupils, with Liz Hopkin sustaining multiple stab wounds while continuing to act decisively.

Community Champion Award: Faith in Families

Faith in Families
Winners of the Community Champion award

Swansea-based charity Faith in Families won the Community Champion award. The judges recognised their incredible work supporting some of the city’s most deprived neighbourhoods through their Community Cwtches and the launch of Cwtch Mawr, Wales’ first Multibank, which has distributed over a million essential items to families in need.

Innovation, Science and Technology Award: Professor Joanne Davies

Professor Joanne Davies
Winner of the Innovation, science and technology award

Professor Joanne Davies, Head of Simulation at Swansea University, won the Innovation, Science and Technology award. Her work in transforming medical training in Wales through cutting-edge simulation was praised for improving patient safety and preparing clinicians for real-world pressures.

Public Service Award: Dr Tipswalo Day

Dr Tipswalo Day
Winner of the Public services award

Dr Tipswalo Day, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Glangwili General Hospital in Carmarthen, was awarded the Public Service award for her pioneering work to reduce stillbirths and birth-related brain injuries. She also founded Race Matters in Maternity, Wales’ first conference tackling inequalities in maternal care.

Other Winners

• Culture Award: Max Boyce MBE
• Sport Award: Jess Fishlock MBE
• Business Award: de Novo Solutions
• Environment Champion Award: Deorfa Cynrig Hatchery
• Volunteering Award: Brian Jones
• First Minister’s Special Award: Henry Engelhardt CBE and Diane Briere de l’Isle Engelhardt OBE

#Carmarthen #Carmarthenshire #CianEvans #DarrelCampbell #DrTipswaloDay #ElunedMorganMS #FaithInFamilies #FionaElias #GlangwiliHospital #JessFishlock #LizHopkin #MaxBoyce #NeathPortTalbot #Pontardawe #ProfessorJoanneDavies #StDavidAward #StDavidAwards #Swansea #SwanseaUniversity #YsgolDyffrynAman

£2m upgrade begins at Glangwili Hospital to ease pressure on A&E

Hywel Dda University Health Board confirmed that contractors are now overhauling the hospital’s Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) unit after receiving £2.096m from Welsh Government.

The health board said the upgrade will create more consultation rooms, a better reception area and an improved environment for patients and staff. According to the board, the expanded SDEC service is expected to ease demand on A&E and support wider efforts to improve patient flow across its acute hospitals and the Minor Injury Unit at Prince Philip Hospital.

Project director Keith Jones, Hywel Dda’s Director of Operational Planning and Performance, said the investment would make a significant difference.

“We are very grateful to Welsh Government for the £2.096 million funding that will enable us to increase the capacity of the SDEC at Glangwili,” he said. “This, in turn, will help to reduce capacity pressures on the Emergency Department and enable our staff to provide a much smoother and swifter experience for patients in our care.”

Services on the move during building work

The health board said the refurbishment means several services have been temporarily relocated within the hospital site.

The SDEC unit, along with the Discharge Lounge and Medical Day Unit at the Priory Day Hospital, has moved to Y Lolfa (formerly Padarn Ward). The Cancer Information and Support Service (CISS) and Cancer Psychological Support Service (CaPS) have also moved, though contact details remain unchanged.

Some services — including podiatry, neuro‑rehabilitation and occupational therapy — will stay at the Priory Day Hospital, but access routes have changed while work continues.

Mr Jones said patients have been informed of any changes in their appointment letters.

“We ask patients attending any of the clinics affected to double‑check their appointment letters for information about the location of their treatment,” he said. “Thank you in advance to everyone visiting our site for their patience and understanding while the improvement works are underway.”

Welsh Government: investment will improve urgent care

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Jeremy Miles said the funding would help improve the experience of patients needing urgent and emergency care.

“I’m pleased this £2m‑plus investment will help to reduce pressures on the emergency department and improve people’s experience when they need emergency and urgent care at Glangwili Hospital,” he said.

“Addressing overcrowding will reduce waits and handover delays, streamline flow through the hospital and improve the experience of patients and staff.”

Related stories

Pontyates surgery gets temporary lifeline
Health board delays its final decision as local patients await clarity.

Norovirus forces ward closures at Prince Philip Hospital
Outbreak leads to restrictions as cases rise across the region.

Hywel Dda radiology nurse honoured with special award
Recognition for outstanding care within the health board.

Llanelli’s Minor Injuries Unit to become 12‑hour urgent care centre
Health board confirms no return to a 24‑hour service.

#AE #AccidentAndEmergency #Carmarthen #GlangwiliHospital #JeremyMilesMS #SameDayEmergencyCare #SDEC

Swansea Bay’s unsung heroes lead the way as St David Awards finalists revealed

The Welsh Government has unveiled the finalists for Wales’ national honours, now in their 13th year, celebrating extraordinary people who have changed lives, saved lives, and shaped communities across the country.

While the awards span the whole of Wales, this year’s shortlist is packed with powerful stories from Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Bridgend — a reminder that some of the nation’s most inspiring figures live right here in our corner of Wales.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said the awards “bring together the best of Wales”, adding:

“It’s a privilege to announce the finalists of the St David Awards. It brings together the best of Wales, with fantastic examples of the positive contribution people can make to other people’s lives. We have an incredible list this year, full of inspirational stories and impressive achievements.”

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Senedd on Thursday 26 February 2026.

Bravery: Carmarthenshire teachers who faced down a knife attacker

Liz Hopkin, Fiona Elias, Darrel Campbell
Nominated for Bravery award

Few stories in Wales have shaken a community like the knife attack at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in April 2024. Now, three of the staff who protected pupils during the terrifying incident have been shortlisted for the Bravery Award.

Deputy Headteacher Fiona Elias, Additional Learning Needs Coordinator Liz Hopkin, and former Assistant Headteacher Darrel Campbell all suffered injuries or put themselves in harm’s way as they confronted the attacker.

Liz Hopkin sustained multiple stab wounds yet continued to act decisively, helping prevent further tragedy. Fiona Elias returned to work within weeks, supporting traumatised pupils and staff. And Darrel Campbell disarmed the attacker, stopping the violence.

Their courage has already been recognised by the community — now it’s being honoured at a national level.

Also shortlisted is Bridgend’s William Newbury, who fought off three dogs to save a mother and her newborn baby during a violent attack in Cardiff. His actions left him with serious injuries and lasting scars — but he saved two lives.

Community Champion: Swansea’s Faith in Families leads the way

Faith in Families
Nominated for Community Champion award

Swansea charity Faith in Families is one of the most recognisable names in community support — and this year it’s up for the Community Champion Award.

In some of the city’s most deprived neighbourhoods, their Community Cwtches offer safe spaces, childcare, training, and family support. But it was the launch of Cwtch Mawr, Wales’ first Multibank, that turned heads across the UK.

In just one year, it generated £28 million in social value, distributed over one million essential items, and supported more than 30,000 families.

Their motto — “Hugs not Handouts” — sums up their approach: dignity first, compassion always.

Culture: Hollywood star, Welsh icon and Swansea youth theatre recognised

Luke Evans
Nominated for Culture awardMax Boyce
Nominated for Culture award

The Culture category brings together three very different but equally powerful forces in Welsh culture — a Hollywood star, a national icon and a homegrown youth theatre that has shaped generations.

Luke Evans, born in Pontypool and raised in Aberbargoed, is shortlisted for his achievements as an actor, singer and advocate. From the West End to global blockbusters such as The Hobbit trilogy, Dracula Untold and Beauty and the Beast, he has become one of Wales’ most recognisable faces on screen. He is also a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility and mental health awareness, using his platform to champion inclusivity and self‑acceptance, and has released two studio albums and a memoir, Boy from the Valleys.

Max Boyce MBE, from Glynneath, stands as a legendary figure in Welsh culture. His unique blend of comedy, music and poetry has captured the heart of the nation for decades, celebrating Welsh identity, rugby passion and the spirit of mining communities. His iconic album We All Had Doctors’ Papers topped the UK Albums Chart, and his anthem “Hymns and Arias” still echoes around rugby stadiums.

West Glamorgan Youth Theatre
Nominated for Culture award

Alongside them is a true Swansea Bay institution: the West Glamorgan Youth Theatre Company (WGYTC).

Founded in 1975, the company has shaped generations of performers, writers and creatives — including household names like Michael Sheen and Russell T Davies. Today, it continues to nurture more than 75 young people a year, despite funding pressures.

Its impact stretches far beyond the stage. Alumni have gone on to work in education, healthcare and community roles, carrying the confidence and creativity they learned at WGYTC into every corner of Welsh life.

Environment Champion: protecting rivers and wildlife across west Wales

Gail Davies-Walsh
Nominated for Environment champion award

While the Environment category spans Wales, one of the most influential figures shortlisted has deep roots in west Wales.

Gail Davies‑Walsh, CEO of Afonydd Cymru, leads the umbrella body for Wales’ six Rivers Trusts. Her work has helped shape national policy on water quality, agricultural pollution and river restoration — issues that matter deeply to communities across Carmarthenshire, Swansea and Pembrokeshire.

Her leadership has strengthened local river groups, secured vital funding, and raised public awareness of the pressures facing Welsh waterways.

At the heart of Welsh species recovery stands the Cynrig Hatchery team — Dr John Taylor, Oliver Brown, Richard Davies and Haydn Probert of Natural Resources Wales. They rear and restore some of the UK’s most threatened wildlife, including water voles, white‑clawed crayfish, freshwater pearl mussels and Arctic Char, combining scientific skill with relentless day‑to‑day care.

Dani Robertson, Dark Skies Officer for Eryri National Park, is also shortlisted for her work tackling light pollution and protecting Wales’ night skies, while reconnecting people with the stars through public engagement and policy work.

Innovation, Science & Technology: Swansea University’s global impact

Professor Joanne Davies
Nominated for Innovation, science and technology award

Swansea’s contribution to science and innovation is represented by Professor Joanne Davies, Head of Simulation and founding director of SUSIM at Swansea University.

Her work has transformed medical training in Wales, using cutting‑edge simulation and digital platforms to improve patient safety and prepare clinicians for real‑world pressures. Her influence stretches from NHS Wales to international partners in the Middle East and Africa.

The Barrett Centre for Helminth Control at Aberystwyth University is also shortlisted for its world‑leading work on parasitic flatworms, while Wrexham‑based entrepreneur Dr Elin Haf Davies is recognised for her digital health company Aparito, which has revolutionised remote patient monitoring and clinical trials.

Public Service: Carmarthen doctor leading safer maternity care

Dr Tipswalo Day
Nominated for Public services award

Carmarthenshire is represented in the Public Service category by Dr Tipswalo Day, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Glangwili General Hospital.

Dr Day has led pioneering work to reduce stillbirths and birth‑related brain injuries, championing teamwork, learning and equitable care. She also founded Race Matters in Maternity, Wales’ first conference tackling inequalities in maternity outcomes.

Her leadership has shaped national policy and improved safety for mothers and babies across Wales.

Also shortlisted are executive headteacher Innes Robinson, recognised for turning around schools in south Wales, Pembrokeshire learning support assistant and wellbeing champion Jan Luke, and prison officer Robert Scott, whose work at HMP Berwyn has helped embed a culture of lifelong learning among staff.

Volunteering: Swansea charity supporting families in crisis

Advocates and Angels
Nominated for Volunteering award

Another powerful local story comes from Swansea’s Advocates and Angels, founded by Bethan Germon in memory of her daughter Lydia.

Entirely volunteer‑run, the charity provides emergency Chrysalis Care Packages to families facing illness, disability, hospital stays or bereavement. They’ve supported more than 10,000 families across Wales, working closely with NHS wards and hospices.

Their work is quiet, compassionate and often unseen — but life‑changing for those who receive it.

They are shortlisted alongside Brian Jones, who has led British International Search and Rescue Dogs for decades, and Therapy Dogs Nationwide co‑founder Eileen Hodge.

Young Person: three inspiring young finalists from Swansea Bay

Anwen-Grace Rodaway
Nominated for Young person awardBowen Cole
Nominated for Young person awardCian Evans
Nominated for Young person award

All three finalists in the Young Person category are from our patch — a remarkable showing for the region.

Anwen‑Grace Rodaway, from Gŵyr, has become a powerful advocate for disabled young people. A former Welsh Youth Parliament member, she has campaigned on autism awareness, led beach cleans, and excelled academically after overcoming severe mental health challenges. Now studying filmmaking, she continues to champion equality and inclusion.

Bowen Cole, a student at Gower College Swansea, is a youth leader, diplomat and advocate for underrepresented voices. He has represented Wales internationally, worked with national media and political leaders, and served as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Officer at the college.

At just 11, Pontardawe’s Cian Evans has raised thousands for charity despite surviving a devastating crash that killed his mother and unborn sister. His fundraising challenges — including the Welsh Three Peaks — have supported counselling services and the Welsh Air Ambulance. His resilience and compassion have inspired communities across Neath Port Talbot and beyond.

St David Awards 2026 finalists

Bravery
Liz Hopkin, Fiona Elias and Darrel Campbell – Ysgol Dyffryn Aman
James Reilly – Royal Engineer Commando
William Newbury – Bridgend

Business
Brød – The Danish Bakery
Rockwool Ltd
de Novo Solutions

Community Champion
Faith in Families – Swansea
Parent Learning Group – Cathays High School
Rusna Begum – Newport

Culture
Luke Evans – Actor and singer
Max Boyce MBE – Musician and poet
West Glamorgan Youth Theatre Company

Environment Champion
Cynrig Hatchery Team
Dani Robertson – Dark Skies Officer
Gail Davies‑Walsh – Afonydd Cymru

Innovation, Science and Technology
Barrett Centre for Helminth Control
Dr Elin Haf Davies – Aparito
Professor Joanne Davies – Swansea University

Public Service
Dr Tipswalo Day – Glangwili General Hospital
Innes Robinson – Headteacher
Jan Luke – Roch CP School
Robert Scott – HMP Berwyn

Sport
Jess Fishlock MBE – Footballer
Lauren Price MBE – Olympic boxing champion
Alan Williams – Sailing coach

Volunteering
Advocates and Angels – Swansea
Brian Jones – British International Search and Rescue Dogs
Eileen Hodge – Therapy Dogs Nationwide

Young Person
Anwen‑Grace Rodaway – Gŵyr
Bowen Cole – Gower College Swansea
Cian Evans – Pontardawe

A region of heroes

From Carmarthenshire’s frontline NHS staff to Swansea’s community champions, from young people overcoming adversity to teachers who risked their lives to protect children — the Swansea Bay region is at the heart of this year’s St David Awards.

The ceremony takes place on 26 February 2026 at the Senedd.

#AdvocatesAndAngels #AfonyddCymru #AnwenGraceRodaway #BowenCole #Carmarthenshire #Charity #CianEvans #DarrelCampbell #DrTipswaloDay #FaithInFamilies #FionaElias #fundraising #GailDaviesWalsh #GlangwiliHospital #GowerCollegeSwansea #LizHopkin #LukeEvans #MaxBoyce #NeathPortTalbot #ProfessorJoanneDavies #StDavidsAwards #Swansea #SwanseaUniversity #WestGlamorganYouthTheatre #YsgolDyffrynAman