A long-serving volunteer and supporter of NSPCC Cymru has been recognised for his commitment to the charity’s fight for every childhood in the New Year’s Honours.
Hywel Peterson, who has served as Chairman of NSPCC Cymru’s Fundraising Board since it was launched in 2023 and was previously a member of the NSPCC Wales Appeal Board from 2016 – 2019, has been made an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for voluntary and charitable services.
Under Hywel’s leadership, the fundraising board raised more than £1-million for NSPCC Cymru’s services during its first year, with Hywel overseeing new partnerships such as with taxi company Veezu and the testimonial fundraising efforts of former Glamorgan County Cricket captain Chris Cooke.
A range of events have also been organised by the Board including the popular annual Carol Concert at Llandaff Cathedral.
Hywel – who was appointed an Honorary Member of Council for the NSPCC in 2019 and a Divisional Vice President in 2021 – has also spearheaded the success of Childline Club Cymru.
This is a membership-based fundraising appeal for companies and individuals, which was launched by Wales, British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton and has raised more than £60,000 for Childline.
Among his other accomplishments, Hywel chaired the Sam Warburton Testimonial Committee, which raised £100,000 for NSPCC Cymru with a series of events.
He has also served on the testimonial committees of former Wales rugby players Martyn Williams MBE and Gethin Jenkins, both of whom selected the NSPCC as a beneficiary charity during their testimonial year.
Jo Swinhoe, Director of Income Generation for the NSPCC, said:
“Hywel’s commitment to the NSPCC and our mission is exceptional and, on behalf of our charity and the children in Wales who we help every day, I would like to thank him for his continuing hard work and congratulate him on this deserved honour.
“Hywel’s leadership of the NSPCC Cymru Fundraising Board, which raised £1m in its first year, is making an enormous contribution to our fight for every childhood.”
Among the vital NSPCC services benefitting from the work of the fundraising board is Speak out Stay safe, a safeguarding programme for children aged 5- to 11-years-old which helps them recognise abuse and where to turn for help, and Childline, a free, confidential counselling for children and young people up to the age of 19.
Hywel said:
“The NSPCC’s fight for every childhood is a cause very close to my heart and this incredible personal honour also reflects the hard work that has taken place by the NSPCC in Wales, my fundraising board, and its many supporters – both individual and corporate.
“Abuse and neglect continue to blight the lives of too many children in Wales and the NSPCC is committed to doing all it can to help, support and raise awareness.
“In particular, Childline, our Schools Service and the Centres in Prestatyn and Cardiff are at the heart of this effort, with the most wonderful teams of volunteers and professional staff.
“The fundraising board succeeded in raising £1-million during its first year, helping the charity deliver its critical services, and it continues to go from strength to strength.
“There has never been a more important time to ensure we do all we can for this vital cause.”
More details on the NSPCC’s work in Wales can be read Our work in Wales | NSPCC
To make a donation to the NSPCC, visit here.
