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St David Awards finalists announced by First Minister

News | Rhys Williams | Published: 11:30, Friday January 30th, 2026.
Last updated: 11:30, Friday January 30th, 2026

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First Minister Eluned Morgan
First Minister Eluned Morgan

Ystrad Mynach boxer Lauren Price MBE and Aberbargoed actor Luke Evans are among the finalists for this year’s St David Awards.

The awards, which are in their 13th year, are the national awards of Wales and acknowledge the extraordinary achievements of people in or from Wales.

Three or four finalists have been selected for each of the 11 St David Awards, ten of which have been nominated by the public.

The finalists are chosen by an independent panel, while the winners will be chosen by First Minister Eluned Morgan.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in the Senedd on Thursday February 26.

Lauren Price to fight in front of home crowd as she defends titles

Finalists

Business

  • Brød – Danish bakery
  • Rockwool Ltd – stone wool insulation
  • de Novo Solutions – IT

Bravery

  • Liz Hopkin, Fiona Elias, and Darrel Campbell – Ysgol Dyffryn Aman
  • James Reilly – Royal Engineer commando
  • William Newbury – Bridgend

Community Champion

  • Faith in Families – community charity
  • Parent Learning Group – Cathays High School
  • Rusna Begum – community champion

Culture

  • Luke Evans – actor and singer
  • Max Boyce – Musician and poet
  • West Glamorgan Youth Theatre
Luke Evans with his 2023 Bafta Cymru

Environment Champion

  • Deorfa Cynrig Hatchery – restoring biodiversity
  • Dani Robertson – Dark Skies officer
  • Gail Davies-Walsh – Afonydd Cymru

Innovation, Science and Technology

  • Barrett Centre for Helminth Control – parasitology
  • Dr Elin Haf Davies – Aparito
  • Professor Joanne Davies – Swansea University

Public Service

  • Dr Tipswalo Day – obstetrician and gynaecologist
  • Innes Robinson – headteacher
  • Jan Luke – ELSA and wellbeing champion
  • Robert Scott – prison officer

Sport

  • Jess Fishlock MBE – footballer
  • Lauren Price MBE – Olympic boxing champion
  • Alan Williams – sailing coach
Lauren Price became the unified champion of the world in March 2025

Volunteering

  • Advocates and Angels – family support charity
  • Brian Jones – British International Search and Rescue Dogs
  • Eileen Hodge – Therapy Dogs Nationwide

Young Person

  • Anwen-Grace Rodaway – Autism campaigner
  • Bowen Cole – youth leader
  • Cian Evans – charity fundraiser

The 11th award being given out at the ceremony is the First Minister’s Special Award, which could reflect collective as well as individual achievements.

Baroness Morgan said: “It’s a privilege to announce the finalists of the St David Awards. It brings together the best of Wales, with fantastic examples of the positive contribution people can make to other people’s lives.

“We have an incredible list this year, full of inspirational stories and impressive achievements.”

Luke Evans television production transforms Ystrad Mynach home into Barcelona villa

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