Mollie Roach, of Solva, has been recognised as a runner-up in the Community Spirit category of the St Davids Awards for her work in establishing Solva Care.

“Solva Care was founded in 2015, and today it is seen as a pioneer in providing community-based services, supporting over 800 people in the parish with 45 volunteers who provide a number of services - transportation, shopping, events to counter loneliness, and short respite for family caregivers.

Minister for Health and Social Services Eluned Morgan said:

“The St David Awards celebrate the positive impact people's actions have on Welsh life and recognise the important work that goes on within our communities.

“The 2023 awards were held at the Royal College of Music and Drama in Cardiff and showcased the outstanding acts and achievements of individuals from Mid and West Wales.

“Hari Thomas, 14, and Dylan Pritchard-Evans, 13, received bravery awards for preventing a tragedy unfolding. The friends from Ferwig and Aberporth were being driven by Hari’s mum Catrin when she became unconscious at the wheel of the car. Their quick and courageous response not only saved the lives of all in the vehicle, but potentially the lives of many others as well.

“Business Award winners, Câr y Môr won for their efforts to improve coastal environments through regenerative ocean farming and for their services restoring the environment. The St David’s based business has led the way, starting the first commercial seaweed and shellfish farm in Wales and have actively engaged, motivated and inspired others through their presentations with schools and community groups. 

“Machynlleth's Andy Rowland was awarded with the Environment Champion Award for his tireless efforts to protect the Welsh environment over the past 30 years. Among Andy's greatest achievements is Ecodyfi, a not-for-profit Development Trust, created to deliver sustainable community regeneration. 

“12 year old Skye Neville from Fairbourne was honoured with the Young Person Award for her environmental advocacy and campaign to end plastic toys in magazines. Over 66,000 people signed Skye's petition on Change.org, which led supermarket giant Waitrose to stop stocking comics and magazines featuring cheap plastic toys!

“Ceredigion based poet and author, Gillian Clarke received the First Minister’s Special Award for her impressive contribution to the arts, literature and culture in Wales. Her work has been part of the GCSE and A Level exam syllabus for over 30 years. She was the National Poet of Wales from 2008 until 2016, awarded the Queen’s Gold medal for Poetry in 2010 and the Wilfred Owen Award in 2012. 

“All these winners and runners up have excelled, either through courage, innovation or determination to give back to their communities.

“I want to thank them all for their contributions to Welsh public life and extend my heartfelt congratulations on their outstanding achievements - you should all be incredibly proud!”