Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Two police officers who attended the scene of a fatal dog attack, and a 13-year-old boy who suffered life-threatening injuries after being hit by a van, have been nominated for national awards.

This year’s St David Awards finalists were announced by First Minister Mark Drakeford, with the ceremony being held at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama on Thursday April 11.

In total there are ten categories at the awards. The finalists in each category are selected by an independent panel from Welsh public life from nominations from the public. The winners are chosen by the First Minister.

The Special Award is chosen by the First Minister and can reflect collective as well as individual achievements.

PS Isabelle Coulson and PS Ross Phillips

PS Isabelle Coulson and PS Ross Phillips, of Gwent Police, have been nominated for the Bravery award.

The police sergeants were at the scene following the fatal dog attack which claimed the life of ten-year-old Jack Lis in Caerphilly.

The pair acted entered the house, on Pentwyn, Penyrheol, where the attack took place on November 8, 2021.

While PS Coulson distracted the XL Bully dog, PS Phillips was able to get into the property to see to Jack.

PS Phillips was able to stop the dog from escaping the house, protecting people who were outside.

He managed to get Jack outside and away from the dog, but tragically the ten-year-old had died from his injuries.

In its nomination statement, the Welsh Government said: “Both PS Phillips and PS Coulson showed exemplary character and they acted with the utmost professionalism in this harrowing and tragic episode.”

Owain Williams, Victoria James, Stephen Wardman, and Ross Wellington

In May last year, 13-year-old Owain Williams was walking home from school in Caerphilly when a van and car collided near him. The van hit him and a wall partially collapsed on top of him, causing him to suffer life-threatening injuries.

Victoria James, a supply teacher at St Martin’s School, and passers-by Steven Wardman and Ross Wellington stepped in to provide life-saving first aid on the side of the road.

Owain and the three people who intervened to help him have all been nominated for the Bravery award.

In its nomination statement, the Welsh Government said: “In this shocking situation, not only did the three adults demonstrate acts of real bravery but Owain himself showed bravery too in facing these traumatic events at such a young age.

“He has shown unbelievable courage and determination in overcoming the after-effects of the incident and his injuries.

“Additionally, the event has pulled the school community together ensuring it was made accessible for Owain.”

“An inspiration to others”

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “Once again, we have an incredible line up of finalists for this year’s St David Awards.

“Every year, the awards bring together some of the bravest and brightest people from across Wales, who have shown leadership in difficult circumstances and have been an inspiration to others.

“It’s been a privilege for me to choose the winners over the course of the last five years. I will be following this year’s final as keenly as ever and very much look forward to seeing the winners revealed.”