The glamorous Child of Wales Awards 2025 returned for its fourth year on Friday, September 12, bringing an evening of inspiration and celebration to Swansea Arena.
Hosted by BBC Morning Live presenter Gethin Jones, the star-studded event welcomed a line-up of famous faces including actress Melanie Walters, Love Island’s Emily Moran, Nicole Samuel and Liam Reardon, The Traitors star Andrew Jenkins, as well as rugby legends Sir Gareth Edwards and Gareth Thomas.
Family, friends, celebrities and sporting greats came together to applaud the achievements of Wales’ remarkable young people, with awards recognising courage, resilience, fundraising, leadership and community spirit. Categories included Child of Courage, Courageous Family, Young Fundraiser and Bravery.
Entertainment on the night featured performances from Andrew Roachford MBE, the Child of Wales Choir and this year’s Young Performer winner, Lucciano Mortimore.
Child of Wales Awards 2025 winners:
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Child of Courage (13+) – Mia Lloyd (Cardigan)
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Child of Courage (U13) – Jackson and Jayden Paton (Swansea)
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Courageous Family – The Hall Family (Neath)
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Exceptional Young Carer – Zinzi Sibanda (Cardiff)
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Outstanding Charity – Megan’s Starr (Pembrokeshire)
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Young Fundraiser – Ioan Watts (Caerphilly)
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Bravery Award – Bella Laver (Cardiff and Treorchy)
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Young Performer – Lucciano Mortimore (Newport)
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Community Champion – Jack Griffiths (Ammanford)
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Environmental Champion – Skye Neville (Gwynedd)
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Young Sporting Hero (13+) – Emilie Allen (Pontyclun)
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Young Sporting Hero (U13) – Sienna Allen Chaplin (Swansea)
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Young Leader – Makenzy Beard (Swansea)
Covering every corner of Wales, the awards shine a light on young people who overcome challenges and hardships while inspiring others around them. This year’s event raised money for SNAP Specialist Play and Sir Gareth Edwards’ Cancer Charity.
In previous years, the Child of Wales Awards has supported Teenage Cancer Trust, NSPCC, Dreams and Wishes, The Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal, Cash for Kids, Joseph’s Smile and 2wish.
Headline sponsor for 2025 was Ascona Group, alongside event partner Team Wales Cymru and a host of Welsh businesses including Blue Tiger Marketing, Castell Howell Foods, Mrs Buckét Commercial Cleaning, 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.
Blanche Sainsbury, founder and CEO of the Child of Wales Awards, said:
“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, whose generosity and belief in our vision continue to inspire us.
“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. It’s a testament to the strength and compassion of our nation, and I am so proud to be part of it.”
