Kieran Hackney – Forces Fitness Ltd   

Kieran is a military veteran that served in the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, he now works for Forces Fitness delivering inspiring Health and well-being sessions within the education sector, Sports Teams and businesses across the UK!

He is very much looking forward to the event and seeing all these amazing people  being recognized for the great work they do!

Millie Taylor – SSCE Cymru Programme Manager

Supporting Service Children in Education Wales (SSCE Cymru) has a mission to provide the best possible educational support to Service children in Wales. SSCE Cymru is a Welsh Government funded programme, managed by the Welsh Local Government Association.

Established in 2014, SSCE Cymru works with all 22 local authorities across Wales to provide schools and other educational settings with a better understanding of how they can offer support to the children of Armed Forces personnel living in Wales.

Millie took over managing the SSCE Cymru programme at the beginning of 2018, with a focus on setting strategic goals and a mission that would expand the support available to Service children in Wales. As an advocate for Service children, Millie is always keen to speak with them directly and has coordinated activities to involve Service children in the work of SSCE Cymru. Millie has created many opportunities for collaboration in Wales and is always keen to share good practice with organisations across the UK.

Ged Murphy – Head of Concepts – General Dynamics UK  

As a veteran, Ged served across the spectrum of operations with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers before Battalion command with The Royal Welsh. Ged uses his operational and leadership experience to advise on emerging operational trends whilst providing a focus for all Armed Forces and Veterans matters. He has led the business to success as Gold Award holders in recognition of GD UK’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, whilst promoting the social impact that the business and the defence sector has within the community.

Ged is active across the community, supports veterans in transition and has organised numerous money raising events for a number of military and community based charities. He was successfully nominated by his colleagues for the Veteran Leader Award Wales in 2023. Ged is the proud father of Joe (17) and Pete (13) and loves spending time in the hills with his boys whenever he can!

Sarah Court – Specialist Teacher, Vulnerable Groups – Powys County Council

Sarah Court, who lives near Brecon, started her teaching career 30 years ago and during her time, she developed her teaching and leadership skills through a variety of teaching, senior leadership and advisory roles in the UK and around the world.  Sarah spent eleven years working for Service Children’s Education for the British Armed Forces in Germany and the rest of the world.

She currently leads the Powys County Council’s Vulnerable Groups Team, supporting schools, pupils and families from minority ethnic and Armed Forces backgrounds. She moved to Wales over five years ago and was previously part of the Supporting Service Children in Education (SSCE) Cymru team, working across Local Authorities and Schools in Wales and played an instrumental part in developing the new SSCE Cymru website and information. During the ‘Month of the Military child’ she worked with groups of Service children, creating pictures and poems, linked to the theme ‘ Friends near and far’. Some of these poems were winners in a national competition and were awarded their certificates and prizes at the Ministry of Defence building London, a great achievement. Working alongside the Welsh Rugby Union engagement team, Sarah has also developed well-being sessions in schools for Service children, using wheelchair rugby activities.

She is very privileged to be asked to be a judge at the first Service Children’s Awards and is amazed by the achievements that all Service children make with their learning, sport and well-being despite the challenges that they may face. Sarah is excited to able to celebrate their successes with the Armed Forces community in Wales.

Kelly Farr – Director – YourNorth 

Kelly is an award-winning entrepreneur, wellbeing trainer and veteran, with 17 years service in the Royal Air Force as an Avionics Engineer. Kelly is the co-founder of YourNorth, a wellbeing training company focusing on mental health, mindset, communication, mindfulness & happiness. Kelly is also the co-founder of YourNorth Veteran Support CIC, a not-for-profit organisation offering tailored wellbeing services for the Armed Forces community & Emergency Services.

She is very active in the community as a volunteer and co-runs Caerphilly Veterans Support Hub, and sits on the board for VAPC (Wales). Kelly also co-runs the Female Veterans Alliance; a community organisation that aims to empower and support females that have served in the UK Armed Forces.

Kelly is a huge advocate for the Armed Forces community and is so grateful for the opportunity to be involved with the Service Children Awards Cymru. She has 2 daughters, aged 14 & 4, so appreciates and understands the incredible qualities displayed by this amazing cohort.

Andy Jones –  Armed Forces Liaison Officer  – Powys County Council 

I joined the Army at the age of 16 and served in the Welsh Guards, my service included the Falkland Islands Conflict in 1982. After leaving the Armed Forces I worked in HM Prison Service mainly in London and Cardiff but incorporating being a National Instructor for Prison Staff across England and Wales. Finally ending up on secondment into the Probation Service in Wales developing an ‘all Wales’s support structure for ex Armed Service Personnel  who had come into the Justice system.

I took up the post of Armed Forces Liaison Officer (AFLO) in Powys in March 2020 just in time for the covid outbreak. All 22 Local Authorities in Wales are covered by 7 AFLO’S who promote and assist in the execution and delivery of the Armed Forces Covenant including the new Armed Forces Bill 2021.

Having worked closely with the delivery of support for Service Children in the Local Authority I fully appreciate the work that is needed and am encouraged by their fantastic commitment. It is an honour to be a part of the judging panel in the Service Children Awards.

The Veterans Awards are proud to announce our shortlisted Finalists for this years Service children Awards Cymru in partnership with SSCE Cymru. The awards are due to be held at the Infantry Battle School Brecon on the 28th October in Support of Little Troopers and Sponsored by Powys County Council.

Well done to everyone who has been shortlisted as finalists. We had a large number of applications / nominations and the shortlisting process was extremely difficult. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who put forward nominations.

We want to Inspire our Community that great things can happen. Its you who will act as role models and in some cases mentors, remember Positivity breeds Positivity.

Our Finalists are :

Contribution to Sport under 11  -Sponsored by Forces Fitness Ltd

Contribution to Sport over 11 – Sponsored by Forces Fitness Ltd

The Service Children Ambassador of the year  – Sponsored by Powys County Council 

The Community Award Under 11 – Sponsored by Your North

The Community Award Over 11 – Sponsored by Your North

Unsung Hero Award – Sponsored by General Dynamics 

The Winners will be chosen by our Independent Judging Panel. The Judging panels names and profiles will be released over the coming weeks.

All our Shortlisted Finalists / Supporters have the opportunity to secure your tickets between  19th September – 1st October.

We will also be holding a raffle on the day for the fantastic charity Little Troopers so please bring along cash for raffle tickets!!

For more details please get in touch.

Mr Jon Carter (JC) – Head of Capability Growth and Business Development CXC Group

JC joined Company X Consulting following an 18 year career working in the MoD. Although JC has a civilian background, he has worked closely with the armed forces throughout his career in both the public and private sector. Since joining CXC as a consultant in 2018, JC has risen to Head of Capability Growth and Business Development. Over the last 24 months JC and the CXC team have provided transitional support to over 10% of all service leavers, providing free advice and guidance for those who are looking to take a step into consultancy as a career path. This support to veterans, wider veteran causes, and as an employer of over 90% veterans, have seen CXC achieve Armed Forces Covenant Gold status.

Sue Dorney MCTHA, Strongmind Resiliency Training 

Sue is a British Army veteran, where she served as an Experimental Assistant in Gunnery. She is the Co-founder and Director of Strongmind Resiliency training with over 30 years of experience in business administration and project management. During the first Gulf War in 1991 she was an Assistant Casualty Visiting Officer. Making her very familiar with the stresses experienced by people particularly those in public services.

Sue is really looking forward to meeting all the inspirational people at the Veterans Awards night!

Jack Dickinson – Solicitor, Hugh James 

I am a military solicitor at Hugh James, based at our head office in Cardiff. I specialise in providing legal representation and legal services for veterans and currently serving members of the armed forces.

I am also involved with various groups in the veterans community, and fundraising for key veterans charities.

Hugh James have proudly sponsored the Veterans Awards since 2019, and I have seen the awards grow from strength to strength. I look forward to meeting all the finalists and celebrating the difference they have made,

and their incredible achievements after transitioning to civilian life.

Guy Williams, Volunteer for the Veterans Advisory Pensions Committee South West, Facilities for Wessex RFCA

Guy Williams works for the Wessex Reserve Forces and Cadets Association and a member of the VAPC SW for 3 years leading on Transition. Served in the Royal Marines for 27 Years. After leaving the Royal Marines in 2009 joined the

Wessex RFCA in the Facilities Department looking after the Reserve Forces and Cadet Buildings with Soft FM issues. Also helps organise the Falklands Reunions for 42 Commando Royal Marines every 5 years. A keen runner and completed 230 marathons since leaving the Royal Marines.

This is the first time he has judged at the Veterans Award and is looking forward to seeing what great work Veterans are doing for the Country and local Communities.

Hannah Cullen – Associate Solicitor, Hugh James 

I am an Associate Solicitor with Hugh James, I am based in our Cardiff office and I provide specialist legal representation and legal services for current and former members of the armed forces.  As a team we provide advice on a number of issues to include military deafness, PTSD and NFCI.

As a firm we are involved with many organisations raising money and awareness for the veterans community and this is something I am passionate about.

Hugh James have sponsored the Veterans Awards since 2019 and I have attended many of the ceremonies, they are always a fabulous occasion and a real celebration of fantastic achievements.  I am honoured to be on the judging panel this year and know it will be another great event.

Matthew Williamson TMIET Eng Tech VR (Telecommunications Technician FTT) Serica Energy.

An Experienced long serving specialist in Telecommunications systems within the UK energy sector, as well as a serving army reservist for over 23 years. I am Employed by Serica Energy who positively support my Reserve activities and actively looks for and supports veterans in industry.

I am an active volunteer member of 39 Signal Regiment, a local Reserve Signal Regiment based in Bristol, and I have lived in the area and southwest for much of this time.

Having served for a long time as well as working in a highly skilled sector I have experienced what veterans can bring to industry and being employed with in the Offshore Energy sector, I actively use my experience in promoting veterans.

I have not sat on a judging panel before and am honored to have been invited to do so, I am really looking forward to seeing some of the amazing differences veterans have made.

Darren Fuller – FDM Group – Regional Manager South, Ex Forces Programme

I am The Regional Manager South for FDM Groups Ex-Forces Programme, my day-to-day role sees me helping Ex-service personal of all ranks into successful careers within Tech or Business and continuing to support them whilst on that journey.

I had a full military career myself, spending over 20 years in The Parachute Regiment, those 20 years were some of the most exciting years of my life giving me memories that will last a lifetime. This time also helped me, gain considerable skills and experience that whilst at the time I might not have realised are highly sought after and transferable into the civilian job market. On leaving the forces in 2014 I settled in Colchester with my wife and children.

During the past 9 years I have stayed within the force’s community working for military charities gaining experience in employment, Fundraising, Governance and Welfare, before starting in my current role with FDM.

I’m really looking forward to being on the judging panel for the 2023 English Veterans Awards, to play a small part in Celebrating the talent and success that Ex-Forces bring to their communities is something I’m honoured to do.

Massive thanks to everyone who attended this year’s Welsh Veterans Awards hosted by Polly James and held at the Village Hotel and Leisure Club Cardiff on the 5th July. The Awards were sponsored by GHN Property and Developments and in Support of the ABF The Soldiers’ Charity Wales and the Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity. It was such a fantastic event with a great atmosphere in the room!

Well done to everyone who was shortlisted as finalists, we had a huge amount of applications and the shortlisting process was extremely difficult. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who put forward nominations, you are all doing amazing things in your relevant fields and you should be so proud of your achievements!

Extremely thankful and very honoured to have in attendance and hear from the Deputy Minister Hannah Blythyn MS, Brigadier Nick Thomas CBE,  Commadore Adrian Williams OBE, Commander Stephen Henaghen and The Welsh Veterans Commissioner Col James Phillips during the evening. A special thanks also has to go to the The Regimental Band & Corps of Drums of The Royal Welsh – Royal Navy Reserves, MPCT learners and the Welsh Guards who were there supporting in their famous red Tunics.

We are so thankful to all our supporters, volunteers and sponsors who helped put this amazing night together!

Some of the highlights of the night saw Joan Reynolds MBE receive the Lifetime Achievement Award and become our Welsh Veterans Awarsd Champion with a standing ovation, The Team from MPCT (Learning Curve Group) picked up three awards, two Golds and one Silver  for the amazing work they do within the community.  Sierra Nevada Corporation mission System UK LTD become our Employer of the year and the Fantastic Peter Webber received an award for Lifetime Entrepreneurship.

We want to Inspire our future service leavers that great things can happen. It’s you who will act as role models and in some cases mentors, remember Positivity breeds Positivity.

Our Winners are :

Veterans Awards Champion:  Joan Reynolds MBE

Contribution to Lifetime Entrepreneurship :  Peter Webber 

Role Model of the Year- Sponsored by Forces Employment Charity

Gold: Paul Bromwell

Silver: Chance Morgan

Bronze: Lee West

Inspiration of the Year Award – Sponsored by Porters Estate Agents

Gold: Ruth Birch

Silver: Michael Jeffery

Bronze: Daniel Murphy

Bronze: Gareth Noble

The Community Awards – Sponsored by Vigilance

Gold: Paul Bromwell

Silver: Hannah Jarvis

Bronze: John Evans

Contribution to the Welsh Fitness Industry and Society – Sponsored by Print Inc

Gold: Steven Tallis

Silver: Neil Adams

Bronze: Christopher McEwen

Health & Well-being Award  – Sponsored by  Audi Sinclair 

Gold: VC Gallery

Silver: Bulldogs BCA

Bronze: Woody’s Lodge

Bronze: Help For Heroes

Leader of the Year Award  – Sponsored by  Veteran Trees 

Gold: Arwyn Watkins OBE

Silver: Brian Edwards

Bronze: Gerard Murphy

Entrepreneur of the Year- Sponsored by Pinnacle Document Solutions Group

Gold: Jac Hughes

Silver: Arwyn Watkins OBE

Bronze: Daniel Murphy

Employer of the Year- Sponsored by Credas

Gold: Sierra Nevada Corporation mission System UK LTD

Silver: HMP Swansea

Bronze: Woody’s Lodge

Bronze: Vale of Glamorgan Council

Veteran Owned Business  of the Year- Sponsored by Educ8 Training

Gold: The Veteran Building Company

Silver: Fantom Factory

Bronze: CASS Supplies Limited

Bronze: SudoCyber Limited

Volunteer of the Year –  Sponsored by Pathfinder Magazine

Gold: Mark Shuttleworth

Silver: Nigel Locke

Bronze: John Edwards

Lifetime Achievement – Sponsored by Hugh James

Gold: Joan Reynolds MBE

Silver: Gareth Pennell

Bronze: Manny Manfred

Reservist of the Year Award –  Sponsored by AB Glass 

Gold: Lee Richards

Silver: Andrew Cavill

Bronze: Sonia Briggs

Bronze: Lee Jones

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our Shortlisted Finalists, remember its you who inspire our future service leavers – Keep an eye out on Facebook and our social media sites for pictures and videos of the evening coming soon!