Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart has praised people from Wales who have received awards in this year’s New Year’s Honours list.
The list recognises the work and achievements of a wide range of remarkable people across the United Kingdom from all backgrounds.
Recipients from Wales in 2021 include people who have worked on the front line of the Covid-19 pandemic, familiar names from the world of sport and volunteers who have given up their time to help others.
Expressing his heartfelt thanks for their “inspiring achievements” Mr Hart congratulated all of those receiving awards.
Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said:
“In what has been an extraordinarily challenging year, it is vital that we recognise and praise the inspiring achievements of some truly remarkable people.
“These awards celebrate the people who are the mainstays of communities across Wales, selflessly giving back to those around them through their work and their personal lives.
“I am delighted to see a whole host of Welsh recipients from all walks of life recognised for their commitment to charity, sport, education and – during a global pandemic – some amazing work in the fight against Covid-19.
“I’d like to extend my gratitude to each person honoured for their efforts. Congratulations to everyone receiving an honour.”
Recognising the outstanding achievements of some of this year’s recipients of MBE and BEM awards, Welsh Secretary Simon Hart said:
Dr Tamas Szakmany, MBE for services to the NHS during Covid-19 (Newport)
“Dr Szakmany has carried out fantastic and tireless work leading the response of the Welsh Critical Care Network during the pandemic.
“As well as spending twice his normal clinical time at the bedside looking after patients, he has carried out vital research and shared his work with colleagues across the world.
“I thank him for his commitment in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Alan Curtis, MBE for services to Welsh Football (Swansea)
“Alan is synonymous with Swansea City FC and Welsh football and it is fantastic to see a true legend of sport receive this honour.
“Congratulations to Alan for his remarkable contribution to Welsh football over the last 45 years.”
Jennifer Ann Sims, BEM for Voluntary Services (Haverfordwest)
“As well as running a successful charity, Jennifer has worked tirelessly during the Covid-19 pandemic to deliver hot meals and bags of food to vulnerable people. Stories like hers are the bright spots of the past year.
“I’d like to extend my warmest congratulations to Jennifer on receipt of this honour.”
Brian Frederick Keylock and Lorna Keylock, BEM for Voluntary and Charitable services (Brecon)
“Brian and Lorna have shown amazing commitment to charitable fundraising and their story is an inspiring one. Cancer Research Wales is fortunate to have such a committed duo contributing so much of their time. Congratulations on this honour”.
Richard Llewelyn Griffiths, BEM for services to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in Wales (Aberystwyth)
“The RNLI carry out vital and selfless work around our coastline. Every one of its volunteers carries out admirable work and Richard’s long service means that this award is highly deserved.”
Professor Laurence Alison, MBE for services to Critical Incident Handling and to the NHS during Covid-19 (North Wales)
“Professor Alison has carried out extremely sensitive and important work around some of the major incidents of our time, including 7/7 and the Boxing Day tsunami. It is fitting that he receives this well-deserved award in the year he has helped our NHS through the Covid-19 pandemic.”
