A dedicated lead nurse from a hospice near Llandysul is celebrating after being awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours. Kiera Jones, who works at Skanda Vale Hospice, received the prestigious royal title for her incredible services to nursing. The wonderful news was officially announced as part of the special national celebrations on June 13, 2026.
She marked the major milestone over the weekend by taking four of the hospice's respite patients on a lovely trip to Poppit Sands beach. The thoughtful team used a specialist wheelchair fitted with balloon tyres to help the patients travel down into the shallow water.
Kiera said: "I didn't really believe it at first - it felt quite surreal, and I had to ask my husband to read the letter to check I'd understood! The messages of support have been amazing."
"Palliative care and Soul Midwifery are about making the most of life and finding joy in it, while supporting someone as they face the end of their life, however they want to do that. This week's beach trip is a perfect example."
"Some of our team and patients got to paddle in the sea and feel the sand between their toes. That joy is exactly why we do what we do."
Kiera has worked at Skanda Vale Hospice for ten years and has dedicated 24 years of her life to palliative care. Alongside leading the local nursing team, she also works closely with families as a Soul Midwife to support people who are dying. She is one of 84 people from Wales to be recognised in the royal honours list this year.
The healthcare worker previously won a major national award in 2024 and has raised around £13,000 for the hospice. The vital charity provides completely free day and respite care to people living with life-limiting illnesses. It supports families across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire, and is funded almost entirely by donations.
