The Inaugural Child of Wales Awards took place on Friday 4^th March 2022 at Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel and Spa. A Star-studded uplifting celebration of the heroism, talent and courage of Wales’s young people. The event, which was postponed 3 times due to Covid, was attended by many famous faces, and was hosted by TV presenter Gethin Jones.

The evening of celebration included entertainment from The Child of Wales Choir, formed with students from the Mark Jermin Stage school, Royal Harpist Claire Jones – who performed alongside Young Performer Winner Cerys Angharad, The Voice Kids UK 2021 Semi Finalist Eva Ossei-Gerning and Indie Rock band Who’s Molly? Closed the night off.

The event was made extra special by the amazing support of some of the events partners, including Swansea City Football Club, who made the journey to Cardiff to help honour our winners.

With many of the winners being Swans fans, the club went that extra mile and took to giving them personalised team shirts. The first team manager Russell Martin, as well as players Lee Trundle and Leon Britton, were in attendance at the event and they wanted to surprise two very special winners on the night.

Russell Martin presented a personalised shirt on stage to Swans super fan McKenzie John, winner of the Child of Courage Under 13 award. Russel said “The evening was a truly humbling experience. As a parent myself, to see what some of the children had been through - and continue to go through - shows the huge courage and strength they have, and each and every one of them can be proud.

“They are a credit to their families and a credit to Wales. It was brilliant for us as a football club to be part of such a fantastic night.”

Lee and Leon surprised Henry and Edwards Roberts, of the Roberts Family – Courageous Family Winner, with their shirts at the media wall. Claire Roberts, Henry and Edwards Mother said, “We had an absolute blast. It was a very emotional experience for us and we are so honoured to have been chosen for this award. “

Head of Commercial at SCFC, Rebecca Edwards-Symmons, was also in attendance and said “As a club we were delighted to attend the Child of Wales Awards and show our appreciation for some truly inspirational children.

“Each of their stories were incredibly uplifting and powerful, and they did themselves and their families proud.”

It was an extra special occasion for all, with incredible feedback from winners, sponsors, VIPs and guests. Preparations are already underway for the 2023 awards, if you would like to enquire about entering the awards, becoming a sponsor, purchasing tickets or donating an auction or raffle price please contact Ashleigh Kerr at ashleigh@childofbritain.com.

Leon Britton and Lee Trundle with Courageous Family winner The Roberts Family