Welsh Secretary praises outstanding achievements of Queen’s Birthday Honours recipients

The announcement was postponed from the summer in order to mark the efforts of individuals playing crucial roles during the first months of the COVID-19 effort

Welsh Secretary Simon Hart has today (Friday 9 October) praised the achievements of over 100 people in Wales who have received awards via the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

The list was postponed from June in order to honour recipients who are making an outstanding contribution to tackle coronavirus in their communities. It includes representatives from frontline services such as NHS staff, people delivering food and goods, education professionals as well as those providing social and community services.

Some of those honoured include Elizabeth Waters, a Consultant Nurse at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board who receives an MBE for services to the NHS in Wales. John Challenger from Flintshire receives a BEM for services to young people in the north west of the UK during COVID-19 following his role in keeping 2,300 Sea Cadets spread across North Wales and the North West of England together virtually through lockdown. Julie Cook, a Community Colleague at Asda from Aberdare also receives a BEM for services to the community during COVID-19 after being recognised for her role boosting morale, caring for vulnerable people and overseeing donations for local charities.

From the world of sport of entertainment, former Welsh rugby coach Warren Gatland receives a CBE for services to rugby in Wales. Ex-Wales captain and HIV charity campaigner Gareth Thomas receives a CBE for services to sport and health, while Wales’ most capped male rugby player and current skipper Alun Wyn Jones receives an OBE for services to Rugby Union in Wales. Opera singer Rebecca Evans also receives a CBE for services to the arts in Wales.

Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said:

“Twice a year we recognise the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the United Kingdom, in a wide range of professions, industries and communities.

“But the announcement of this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours come at an incredibly poignant time as we continue to fight the impact of coronavirus. Many of those honoured today include those not only selflessly serving their communities but who are also responsible for planning Wales’ response to the virus and caring for those suffering its consequences.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those honoured today and wish to congratulate them on their individual achievements.”

The Minister for Health and Social Services, Vaughan Gething and Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, Julie Morgan have offered their congratulations to NHS Wales and social care sector employees who have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday honours.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic the Queens Birthday honours were delayed to the autumn. 26 individuals from NHS Wales,  social care sector and third sector have been awarded.

Minister for Health and Social Service, Vaughan Gething, said: “I’m delighted the Queens Birthday honours has recognised people from within our NHS, social care and third sector.    I want to wish those awarded a huge congratulation. The coronavirus pandemic has unquestionably shown the gratitude we all owe to each and every dedicated NHS and care sector worker. Their dedication and unwavering resolve has helped us as a nation not only tackle the pandemic, but maintain other vital services.”

Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, Julie Morgan, said: “I offer my best wishes to those awarded in the Queens Birthday Honours. We have never needed our NHS and care staff more, they have been our hope in what has been an unprecedented and challenging year for us all. I send my heartfelt thanks to them all.”