A group of extraordinary volunteers and staff from St John Ambulance Cymru have been celebrated for their life-saving work at a major national service. The dedicated team received a range of prestigious awards at Llandaff Cathedral on June 6, 2026, rewarding those who go above and beyond for the first aid charity.
High Honors Bestowed
The honors included admissions into and promotions within the Order of St John, approved by His Majesty the King. Two long-standing members were promoted to Dame of Grace, the second highest level of honor within the organisation. Trustee Caryn Cox was promoted for over 46 years of distinguished voluntary service, while Manager Marion Powell, who grew up within the organisation, was recognized for her influential leadership roles.
Half a Century of Service
Three dedicated members—Gareth Baldwin, David Gardner, and Dyfri Williams—each received a Long Service Award for 50 years of devotion to the charity.
Paul Griffiths from the charity said: “While we can never truly repay our St John People for their contributions, this ceremony gives us a valuable opportunity to put on record our thanks and appreciation for all that they do on behalf of our charity, to support people and communities across Wales. We are so proud of everything they have achieved and hope this recognition will spur them on, to continue moving us towards our vision of Wales as a community of lifesavers.”
Youth Achievements Recognized
The event also saw children and young people from the Badger and Cadet programmes receive rewards for completing the Grand Prior and Super Badger Awards, which require over three years of hard work. New national lead youth roles were confirmed: Callum Headland as National Lead Cadet, Cariad Carpenter as Deputy National Lead Cadet, Mia Davies as National Follow Me Badger, and Thea Hale as Deputy National Follow Me Badger.
Life-Saving Actions
Special thanks were given to groups of first aiders who helped save two lives during recent public events at Cardiff City Stadium and the Newport Marathon Festival.
Anyone interested in volunteering can visit the official St John Ambulance Cymru website.
Full List of Awards
Priory for Wales of the Order of St John
Promotion to Grand Dame: Caryn Cox (Trustee), Marion Powell (Education Standards and Content Manager, and County Training Manager, North Wales)
Promotion to Officer: Rhys Hamblin, Rhys Jenkins, Sarah-Jane Pitcock, Gwyneth Ratcliffe, Dr Jean White
Admission as Member: Matthew Hollington, Carys Davies, Alicia Downing, John Elsmore, Sean Gundy, Sharon Hier, Huw Howells, Jack Isaac, Dr Gregory James, Melanie Lawlor-Fellowes, David Lewis, Raymond McGovern, Samantha Owen, Revd. Tudor Thomas-Botwood MBE, Dr Georgia Williams
Long Service Awards
50 Years: Gareth Baldwin, David Gardner, Dyfri Williams
10 Years: Stephen Bowles, Dr Liz Bragg, Judith Champion, Celyn Mai Clement, Samuel Huntley, Melanie Lawlor-Fellowes, David Lewis, Sarah Liddell, Gareth Lloyd-Ford, Joanna Morgan, Amelia Powell, Gwyneth Ratcliffe, Oliver Shaw
Youth Awards
Grand Prior Award: Isabellah Cable-Davies, Hamza Chawdhary, Maelon Dart, Lola Evans, Sam Frowen, Noel George-Binu, Gethyn Griffiths, Hattie Gurney, Eve Howell, Theo Jenkins-Roberts, Roxy-Marie Jones, Joseph Newton, Seren Pugh, Jay Ward, Cerys Williams
Super Badger Award: Logan Bruce, Mason Bruce, Brodie Callander, Skye Callander, Evie Corbett, Amelia Cureton-Howells, Lydia Davies, Emma Foster, Nathan George-Binu, Annie Meredith, Alex O'Connor, Sarah Trin O'Connor, Thomas O'Connor, Dylan Sargent, Logan Tustin, Ethan Wong
Priory Votes of Thanks
Priory Vote of Thanks to Darren Crossman for commitment to medical provision at Principality Stadium.
Priory Vote of Thanks to Matthew Gooding, Michael Imperato, Cameron Edwards, David Tace Richards, Dr Jens Klocke, Oliver Shaw, Gareth Lloyd-Ford, Adam White for saving a life at Cardiff City Stadium.
Priory Vote of Thanks to Siem Betts, Dr Gregory James, Dr Rachael Collier, Richard Lee, Alicia Framek, Kian Leith, Eric Goulden, Gareth Lloyd-Ford, James Howell, Sharon Pritchard, and Jonathon Williams for saving a life at Newport Marathon Festival.
