The inaugural Child of Wales Awards, in partnership with Bluestone National Park Resorts, took place at Mercure Holland House, Cardiff on Friday 4^th March. 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 ceremony was brimming with emotions as the audience listened to the incredible stories of the extraordinary feats the winners had achieved. The winners included young fundraisers Emily and Holly Walker who has raised over £170k in memory of their brother Tom who sadly passed away due to Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. Debbie Walker (mum) said “the evening allowed us to celebrate not just Emily and Holly, but Tom too and his legacy, it was an unforgettable and inspirational evening”

Another 12 young people were recognised from those who Champion causes in their communities to a young sporting hero Lily Rice who is the first person in Europe to do a back flip in a wheelchair.

Catherine Zeta Jones sent a video message and Swansea City First Team Manager Russell Martin presented fan Child of Courage McKenzie John with a SCFC shirt. Swansea City Football Club 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.”

Strictly Star Ian Waite was a guest and winner Ffion Gwyther who kept her community entertained during lockdown donning fun fancy dress such as a nun, Carmen Miranda and Cruella Devil, enjoyed a dance at the end of the evening with him. A video message to Ffion from Michael Sheen was also played.

The Child of Wales Choir of 50 youngsters from Mark Jermin Stage School opened the awards and were pleased to sing live after not being in front of an audience for over 2 years due to Covid. Guests were also treated to performances from Eva Ossei-Gerning a semi finalist on The Voice Kids UK, and Claire Jones and Chris Marshall – Deuos who performed with the winner of The Young Performer’s award, Cerys Angharad – a dedicated harpist. Cerys was bullied at school for her love of music which resulted in her having to move schools.  “Who’s Molly?” a Welsh indie band ended the night with guests dancing to midnight.

The winners of the awards are:

Mark Jermin – Lockdown Teacher of the Year

Ffion Gwyther – Who Cares Wins Award

Cerys Angharad – Young Performer

Sophie Mansell – Environmental Champion

Casey-Jane Bishop – Bravery Award

McKenzie John – Child of Courage (under 13)

Abi Phillips – Child of Courage (over 13)

The Roberts Family – Courageous Family

Lily Rice – Young Sporting Hero

Lewis Craven and Flourish, Summer of Picnics– Community Champion

Andrea Tatarova – Exceptional Young Carer

Emma Lewis, The Roots Foundation Wales – Outstanding Charity

Bethan Owen – Young Leader

Holly and Emily Walker – Young Fundraiser

£50,000 was also raised on the night for charities Dreams and Wishes, Teenage Cancer Trust, NSPCC and The Bluestone Foundation who donated their funds to the Red Cross for the Ukraine Disaster.

Blanche Sainsbury, Founder of the awards said: “I never imagined just how much this idea would take off and be supported by businesses and the public, we were overwhelmed by the nominations. My thanks to all our sponsors who supported us, an evening dedicated to the triumphs and successes of young people across Wales is just what is needed”

Adam Price Leader of Plaid Cymru also attended the event, and messages of support were sent by other politicians and royal patronage. Rugby Legend Jonathan Davies OBE, Sir Gareth Edwards OBE, James Hook and Tom Shanklin also attended the evening. BBC presenter Jason Mohammed and Olympians Jamie Baluch and Sharron Davies MBE, and her son Finley, enjoyed the evening. Amy Anzel a contestant on this years TV show the Apprentice presented an award as did actress Melanie Walters – Gavin and Stacey, were also in attendance.