Welsh Ambulance Service volunteers have been recognised at the National Volunteer Awards 2026.
This year’s National Volunteer Awards, held at the International Convention Centre, Newport, on 17th October, saw several volunteers from the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust (WAST) receiving awards.
The ceremony was held as part of the WAST’s National Volunteer Conference, celebrating the outstanding contribution volunteers make to patients, communities and the wider organisation.
With 66 volunteers nominated across eight award categories, alongside the special High Sheriff of Gwent Award, the standard of nominations was exceptionally high, recognising volunteers from across Wales whose dedication, compassion, professionalism and commitment embody the values of the Trust.
Amongst the winners on the night was Ed Grant, from the Vale of Glamorgan, who received the prestigious High Sheriff of Gwent Award, which recognises individuals whose dedication, service and commitment have made an exceptional contribution to others.
Ed was identified as someone who embodies the spirit of volunteering, demonstrates outstanding community service, and serves as an inspiration through their actions and commitment to helping those around them.
In other areas, north Wales had a particularly strong showing at the awards ceremony with six of the winners on the night coming from the region.
Amongst those winners were Community First Responders’ Ben Kirkham from Colwyn Bay and Richard Witheridge from Llangollen.
Ben was recognised for his contribution in building a volunteer team that is widely recognised for its professionalism, inclusivity and support for one another.
Through strong leadership, engaging development opportunities and a genuine commitment to helping every volunteer succeed, Ben has created a positive culture that extends far beyond his own team and continues to influence volunteers across North Wales.
Meanwhile, Richard, who received the Guiding Light Award, was recognised for mentoring, supporting and inspiring others, demonstrating encouragement, patience, enthusiasm and wisdom while helping fellow volunteers grow in confidence and skill.
The ceremony also saw winners from south Wales and Gwynedd, with Cardiff’s Andrea McLelland receiving the Volunteers’ Volunteer Award, which is an award chosen specifically by other volunteers, recognising someone who consistently supports fellow team members and is trusted, respected and valued by their peers.
In Gwynedd, Porthmadog’s Dawn-Louise Jones, a Community First Responder, received the Outreach Award, for going above and beyond in engaging with and supporting their local community, raising awareness and strengthening community partnerships.
Other winners on the night included Volunteer Car Service (VCS) driver, Gareth Thomas, from north Wales, who received the Excellence in Patient Care award for consistently demonstrating exceptional compassion, empathy and kindness, while providing outstanding support and care to patients.
Pat Heigh, who has volunteered for more than 30 years and is also a VCS driver based in north Wales, picked up the Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering award, recognising long-standing dedication and commitment that has made a meaningful and lasting difference to the service, fellow volunteers and the people of Wales.
A popular winner on the night was Adrian Salisbury, who received the Resilience Recognition Award following an exceptionally difficult experience that tested both his confidence and resolve.
Adrian, from north Wales, showed extraordinary resilience by choosing to continue serving his community, with his courage, perseverance and enduring commitment to helping others a reminder that true resilience is not about avoiding adversity but finding the strength to carry on despite it.
Finally, completing a strong showing for VCS drivers in north Wales was Chris Preston, who received the Impact in Action Award.
Chris is renowned for always going the extra mile, regularly volunteering for additional journeys to ensure patients reach their appointments and return home safely.
Affectionately known by control as the “Friday Magic Man”, he has become known for doing everything possible to help patients get home before the weekend, demonstrating exceptional dedication, compassion and commitment to those he serves.
Paul Underwood, Deputy Chief Operating Officer at the Welsh Ambulance Service said: “These awards are testament to the truly remarkable and selfless people from within our organisation that dedicate their time and energy to the people of Wales.
“We are lucky to have such outstanding volunteers, and we rightly recognise their value and the vital contributions they make.
“A heart felt congratulations to each and every one of them on their much deserved awards.”
The Welsh Ambulance Service also extended its sincere thanks to Winncare, whose generous sponsorship helped make this year’s awards possible.
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