SEVERAL people in Wales have been recognised for their selfless service to others in this year’s New Year Honours List. Among the recipients is Wales rugby great Sir Gerald Davies, who admitted he was left “dumbstruck” after being awarded a knighthood.
The 79-year-old former Wales and British and Irish Lions wing has been honoured for his services to rugby union and voluntary and charitable work in Wales. Sir Gerald is one of a select group of Welsh players to win three Grand Slams.
“It is an amazing honour,” Sir Gerald said. “I am humbled by it and moved by the thought that somebody, somewhere, has thought it worthy of giving me that honour.”
A total of 58 people from Wales have received honours in HM The King’s New Year Honours List 2025, published by the Cabinet Office. This year’s recipients have been awarded for their outstanding contributions across all sectors, with a focus on community champions and selfless giving.
The honours list highlights the contributions of people from under-represented communities and various sectors, celebrating their impact throughout the nation.
Community champions and cultural leaders recognised
Richard Parry from Cardiff has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to music and choral singing. Over his career, he has accompanied some of Wales’ and the UK’s leading performers, including Rebecca Evans, Katherine Jenkins, and Rhys Meirion. Richard has served as accompanist for the internationally acclaimed Pendyrus Male Choir since 1973 and was awarded Life Membership in 1994.
Diane Locke from Penrhiwceiber also receives a BEM for her services to the community in Rhondda Cynon Taf. Known for her commitment to community development, Diane played a pivotal role in transforming Lee Gardens Pool into a thriving community hub and supports vulnerable groups through programmes like Baby Basics.
Moawia Bin-Sufyan from Cardiff has been honoured with an MBE for his work in community cohesion and interfaith relations in South Wales. With over 20 years of dedication, he has been a driving force behind initiatives promoting diversity and healthcare within the Welsh Islamic community.
In sport, Mold athlete Sabrina Fortune receives an MBE for her achievements in athletics. Recognised as the world’s leading F20 women’s shot putter, Sabrina won gold at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, breaking her own world record with her first throw of the competition.
National figures celebrated
Special honours have also gone to national figures, including actor Stephen Fry, former England football manager Gareth Southgate, and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who were all knighted. Additionally, author Jacqueline Wilson, creator of The Tracy Beaker series, has been made a Dame Grand Cross (GBE) for services to literature.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “Each and every day, ordinary people go out and do extraordinary things for their communities. They represent the very best of the UK. The New Year Honours List celebrates more of these unsung heroes, and I thank them for their incredible contribution.”
Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens MP, added: “It is inspirational to see the wonderful work done by so many people from every part of Wales and in every sector of life. Whether their passion lies in sport, health, wellbeing, or the arts, their contributions make a huge difference to all our lives.”
Full Welsh Honours List 2025
The geographic breakdown of honours recipients across Wales reflects a diverse range of achievements and contributions. Among the honourees are:
- Clwyd: Tarsem Singh Dhaliwal (OBE), Sabrina Ann Fortune (MBE), David Anthony Bone (BEM).
- Dyfed: Debbie Lane (OBE), Dr Christopher Martin DL (OBE), Richard Huw Jones (MBE).
- Gwent: Thomas Gerald Reames Davies (Knighthood), Amy-Claire Elisabeth Mason (CB), Moawia Bin-Sufyan (MBE).
- Gwynedd: Rauni Ann Lucy Higson (MBE), Trystan Wyn Lewis (BEM).
- Mid Glamorgan: Alan John Phillips (MBE), Diane Locke (BEM).
- Powys: Francesca Hilary Bell (BEM).
- South Glamorgan: Tracey Burke (CBE), Ruth Selina Marks (MBE), Moawia Bin-Sufyan (MBE).
- West Glamorgan: Janice Victoria Williams (CBE), Wendy Ansell (MBE).
The honours list serves as a reminder of the selfless dedication and remarkable achievements of individuals across Wales, whose whose contributions continue to make a lasting impact on their communities and the nation.
