The Child of Wales Awards 2025 lit up Swansea Arena on Friday, September 12th, bringing together celebrities, sports legends, families, and supporters for an unforgettable evening celebrating the courage, resilience, and inspirational achievements of Wales’ young people.
Now in its fourth year, the awards were hosted by BBC Morning Live presenter Gethin Jones and featured a star-studded guest list. Actress Melanie Walters – best known for her role in Gavin & Stacey – joined Love Island stars Emily Moran, Nicole Samuel and Liam Reardon, The Traitors favourite Andrew Jenkins, and rugby legends Sir Gareth Edwards and Gareth Thomas in applauding the winners.
Musical performances added to the magic of the evening, with live sets from Andrew Roachford MBE, the Child of Wales Choir, and Newport’s Lucciano Mortimore – who was also crowned Young Performer of the Year.
Celebrating Resilience, Bravery and Inspiration
Across the evening, categories such as Child of Courage, Bravery Award, Courageous Family, Young Carer, and Young Fundraiser highlighted extraordinary stories of perseverance.
The Hall Family from Neath, winners of the Courageous Family Award, captured hearts with their story of resilience after a tragic accident outside Withybush Hospital in 2023 claimed the life of their eight-month-old daughter Mabli and, just a day later, Rob Hall’s mother. Despite their grief, the family has raised over £20,000 for bereavement charity 2wish while supporting each other through unimaginable loss. They share their moving story below:
Bella Laver, 12, from Cardiff and Treorchy, was awarded the Bravery Award after helping deliver her father’s partner’s baby during a medical emergency when she was home alone. Though baby Jac tragically passed away, Bella’s extraordinary courage under pressure saved lives and showed maturity far beyond her years.
Zinzi Sibanda of Cardiff was honoured as Exceptional Young Carer. Since the age of 12, she has cared for her mother following a rare brain condition diagnosis, all while excelling academically and securing a place at King’s College, Cambridge.
Ioan Watts, 11, from Caerphilly, won Young Fundraiser of the Year after surviving a life-threatening head injury in 2022. Having relearned to walk and talk, Ioan has since raised over £45,000 for Wales Air Ambulance and Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital – charities that helped save his life.
Other inspiring winners included:
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Mia Lloyd (Cardigan) – Child of Courage (13+)
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Jackson & Jayden Paton (Swansea) – Child of Courage (U13)
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Megan’s Starr (Pembrokeshire) – Outstanding Charity
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Jack Griffiths (Ammanford) – Community Champion
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Skye Neville (Gwynedd) – Environmental Champion
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Emilie Allen (Pontyclun) – Young Sporting Hero (13+)
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Sienna Allen Chaplin (Swansea) – Young Sporting Hero (U13)
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Makenzy Beard (Swansea) – Young Leader
You can see all the winner’s inspiring stories here: https://www.nationalchildrenofwalesawards.org/2025-winners/ and all the photographs from the evening here: https://www.nationalchildrenofwalesawards.org/2025-gallery/
A Night of Purpose
As well as recognising these young heroes, the awards also raised vital funds for charities SNAP Specialist Play and Sir Gareth Edwards’ Cancer Charity. Since its inception, the Child of Wales Awards has supported a wide range of causes including Teenage Cancer Trust, NSPCC, The Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal, Dreams and Wishes, and 2wish.
Founder and CEO Blanche Sainsbury reflected on the night:
“As always, this year’s Child of Wales Awards has been incredible. It was a truly unforgettable evening – a powerful celebration of courage, resilience, and hope. None of it would have been possible without the unwavering support of our incredible sponsors, friends, and supporters. Together, we’ve created something special – a community that comes together to honour Wales’ young heroes and give their families a night they will never forget.”
Community and Corporate Support
The event was made possible by the backing of Welsh businesses including headline sponsor Ascona Group, event partner Team Wales Cymru, and supporting partners Blue Tiger Marketing, Castell Howell Foods, Mrs Buckét Commercial Cleaning Services, Owens Group, Swansea City Football Club, Trade Centre Wales, Princes Gate, Thomas Carroll, LBS Builders Merchants, Westacres, JCP Solicitors, Swansea Building Society, TLC (The Training and Learning Company), and Azets.
A Testament to Wales’ Next Generation
From environmental champions to young carers, from fundraisers to sporting heroes, the Child of Wales Awards 2025 was a moving reminder of the strength, resilience, and spirit of Wales’ young people. Their stories inspired everyone present – and will continue to inspire communities across the nation.
For more on the 2025 winners’ stories, visit: https://nationalchildrenofwalesawards.org