The Rhondda Cynon Taf Mayor’s Good Citizen Awards are being presented as part of the Freedom of the County Borough event, held at the Coliseum Theatre.
The awards recognise and honour individuals and/or groups who may not receive the recognition they deserve for their efforts to improve their community and/or those residents that have made an outstanding contributions and achievements within their field, for example sport or culture.
The public was invited to make nominations for the Mayor’s Good Citizen Awards, which was then shortlisted as part of the selection process.
Cllr Rhys Lewis said: “We received many nominations for these awards and it has not been possible to formally recognise everyone’s sterling efforts. But I assure you, these efforts do not go unnoticed and I send my sincere thanks to everyone who plays a vital role within our communities.”
This year there will be seven Mayor’s Good Citizen Awards presented:
Overall Outstanding Achievement – Clare Smart
Originally from Pontypridd, she founded Giving to Pink charity during her own personal journey through breast cancer,
During her own medical treatment she organised a number of fundraising events, and in time raised over £10,000. Since then the charity has gone from strength-to-strength, raising over £200,000.
The aim of the charity is to improve cancer services in the region and fundraise enough money for a specialist Breast Care Unit in the Cwm Taf area.
She has always shown support to the Rhondda Cynon Taf Mayor and their chosen charities by attending events over many years. Giving to Pink was chosen by the current Mayor, Cllr Rhys Lewis, as one of his Mayoral charities during his term in office.
Services to the Community – Bernard Davies, of Mountain Ash
For more than 50 years he has acted as Cynon Valley’s very-own Father Christmas during the festive season, visiting community halls, public events, schools and hospitals.
During all of this time he has also been an active member of St John Ambulance and a member and Life Member of Mountain Ash RFC, where he has provided first aid and physiotherapy.
Academic Achievement – Morgan Cronin, of Pontypridd
The 18-year-old student at Hawthorn High School has secured a place at Yale University, one of the most prestigious universities in the world. She took part in the Sutton Trust Programme, which aims to encourage academically-talented British students to consider studying at American universities.
She has shown excellent commitment to her academic studies and is now spending time mentoring fellow pupils to apply for the programme so they too can experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Artistic Achievement – Star Factor
An initiative which provides music, drama and dance workshops to adults with learning difficulties. The aim is to provide a stage school, supporting participants by encouraging them to learn and build on transferable skills including communication, teamwork, building on self-esteem and confidence.
There is also the opportunity for these talents to be showcased to family and friends during shows and public appearances.
Sporting Achievement – Joey Gibson, of Rhydyfelin
He was recently made President of Rhydyfelin Football Club in recognition of the commitment he has shown to the club for the past 50 years. He has shown dedication to the young people of Rhydyfelin by spending endless hours upgrading the home football ground, making it a community environment to be proud of.
He has given the young people of the community the opportunity to participate in a sport they love by coaching them in his own time.
Services to Charity – PC Stephen Davies, of Tonyrefail
He takes it upon himself to actively fundraise in order to purchase defibrillators in accessible places in Tonyrefail and surrounding areas.
He has raised concerns that currently, there are not any 24/7 defibrillators in the area and recognises that gaining these will increase the chance of survival for local residents who are unfortunate enough to suffer cardiac arrest.
Supporting Others – Pontypridd First Responders
A group of dedicated volunteers, from all walks of life, who in their spare time attend medical emergencies, as tasked by the Wales Ambulance Service. They provide life-saving work until the ambulance arrives. All volunteers fundraise in order to purchase life-saving equipment for the community such as defibrillators and bags.
The Rhondda Cynon Taf Mayor’s Good Citizen Awards are being presented as part of the Freedom of the County Borough event, being held at the Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare, on Tuesday, March 14.