Winners of St David's Awards are inspiration to everyone

THE winners of the St David Awards have been announced.

- ELLIE GOSLEY

Jess Fishlock won the Sport category

The winners and nominees were all recognised by the First Minister at a ceremony at the Senedd on Thursday evening.The St David Awards, which started in 2014, are the national awards for Wales which recognise exceptional achievements by Welsh citizens.

Entertainer Max Boyce MBE and Wales’ most capped footballer Jess Fishlock MBE were among those celebrated this year.

Max received the culture award in recognition of his decades-long contribution to Welsh life, while Jess was honoured with the sport award.

Other winners include three teachers who displayed immense bravery to support and protect pupils during aschool stabbing in Ammanford.

Eluned Morgan's Special Award went to Henry Engelhardt CBE and his wife Diane Briere de I'Isle Engelhardt OBE, recognising the creation of thousands of jobs at Admiral Insurance and their philanthropic work through the Moondance Foundation, particularly in supporting cancer research in Wales.

First Minister, Eluned Morgan said: “I am thrilled to celebrate the incredible achievements of Max Boyce.

“For generations, he has been the voice of Welsh pride, capturing the heart of the nation with his music, humour and warmth.

“He is a national treasure, and we are extremely proud of him.

“Jess Fishlock is a Welsh sporting icon, inspiring a generation of young footballers. Henry and Diane are shining examples of what it means to invest in a nation.

“It has been a privilege to honour all of this year's winners who make me even more proud to be Welsh. They are an inspiration to us all.”