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A Caerphilly youngster who was left fighting for his life after a horrific accident has been recognised with a national award for his remarkable fundraising efforts.

Twelve-year-old Ioan Watts was named Young Fundraiser of the Year at the Child of Wales Awards 2025, held in Cardiff on Friday September 12.

The awards, hosted by BBC Morning Live presenter Gethin Jones, celebrated the courage and achievements of young people across Wales, with celebrities including Sir Gareth Edwards, Gareth Thomas, and Melanie Walters among those attending.

In October 2022, aged nine, Ioan fell eight feet onto concrete while playing on his scooter, suffering a catastrophic brain injury.

Attended to by two Wales Air Ambulance crews, Ioan was airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales where he underwent emergency brain surgery and spent three weeks in a coma. His recovery saw him relearn how to walk, talk and carry out daily tasks during three months in hospital.

Since then, Ioan has dedicated himself to raising money for the charity that saved his life. His fundraising has included running the Caerphilly 2K, climbing Pen y Fan alongside one of the medics who treated him, and fronting the Wales Air Ambulance Christmas appeal Ioan’s Merry Mission.

Together with his family, Ioan has raised more than £50,000 for Wales Air Ambulance and other causes.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “For him to go on to fundraise so that we can be there for others who need our help is just awe-inspiring. Well done, Ioan.”

Child of Wales Awards founder and CEO Blanche Sainsbury described the evening as “a powerful celebration of courage, resilience, and hope”, adding that the winners represent the “strength and compassion of our nation”.