Rhodri praises “exceptional” achievements

Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, with the First Minister of Wales, Rhodri Morgan, at the National Assembly

First Minister Rhodri Morgan has  praised individuals in Wales for their “exceptional” contribution to helping people through difficult situations at the first Recognising Achievements Reception for people in Mid and North Wales.

The Recognising Achievement Receptions were born out of an increased sense of pride in Wales and the call for our achievements to be recognised. The first reception of its kind was held in Caerphilly Castle in June to celebrate the achievements of people in West and South Wales, while today’s event will acknowledge the achievements of people in Mid and North Wales.

The First Minister said:

“In the 10 years since devolution there has been an increased sense of pride in Wales and an appetite for recognising our achievements. The Recognising Achievements Reception gives us a chance to do just that.

“I am delighted to be a part of these awards and celebrate the work that the ordinary people of Wales do for others. These awards are not about day to day responsibilities, but are about the exceptional contribution people have made for others. It is very humbling to hear some of the stories connected to these awards and I am pleased that the recipients are getting the recognition they deserve.

“These awards are a really important development for Wales, as well as being long overdue. Now at last we have a chance to properly thank the people in our very own communities for their hard work and dedication.”

Each year the Recognising Achievement Receptions will be themed. This year’s theme is Helping People in Difficult Situations. The people being recognised range from those who have raised money for a worthwhile cause, including Elin Haf Davies who raised money for Breast Cancer Care when her and three other female rowers completed a rowing race across the Indian Ocean, to those who have cared for and rescued others, such as Phil Benbow who has been involved in Mountain Rescue for over 30 years and with the help of his dog Jet saved two children from Snowdonia and who was also involved in advanced rescue techniques during the Lockerbie disaster.

Another person receiving recognition at the event is Robert Jones, who in July this year saved two children who got into trouble while swimming in the sea in Jersey. Robert was on his holiday at the time and was on the beach when a riptide swept out three adults and two children. Robert, who has served with the Welsh Guards in Iraq, Bosnia and Northern Ireland, managed to save 12-year-old Abi Chapman and bring her to safety, before strapping a surf board to his ankle and returning to the sea to save 10-year-old Tyler Ryan who was hundreds of metres from the shore. Both children were later released from hospital after being treated for hypothermia and exhaustion.

The reception will also recognise a couple who have provided invaluable help to their community, particularly through their commitment to the well being and care of the elderly despite their own advancing years. Both Edward Howes and his wife Winifred Howes have been the driving force behind a Thursday Luncheon Club at the Calvary Baptist Church in Rhyl. The club provides a three course meal for up to 60 people between the ages of 50-95. The club also provides a free minibus service to people who are unable to access public transport, which they both help to raise funds for. Although they have both now stepped down from the more physically demanding aspects of the club, they continue to provide advise and are still involved in the support of the housebound through visits and telephone calls.