A Cardiff-based voluntary sector leader is to become the first recipient of a new award recognising people who have made an exceptional and lasting contribution to Wales’ voluntary sector.

Marco Gil-Cervantes of ProMo Cymru has been named as the inaugural recipient of the Graham Benfield Outstanding Achievement Award, recognising his 30 years of leadership and innovation.

ProMo Cymru is based on Bute Street in Cardiff, and Marco is being recognised for three decades of leadership within voluntary organisations.

The new award has been created in memory of Graham Benfield, who served as Chief Executive of WCVA from 1989 until 2014.

During his 25 years leading the organisation, Graham played a major role in strengthening the voluntary sector in Wales, championing collaboration and supporting organisations and communities across the country.

WCVA Chief Executive, Dr Lindsay Cordery-Bruce, said: ‘Having received hundreds of high-calibre nominations for the Welsh Charity Awards over the years, we were coming to realise that we needed a new award that would recognise years of exceptional contribution and service.

‘Following Graham Benfield’s death last year, we all felt that the award should be in his name, and would hopefully serve as a fitting tribute to honour his legacy. It is clear why Marco is a fitting first recipient of the award, and I want to extend my warmest congratulations to him. He perfectly embodies Graham’s values – selflessness, integrity and unwavering belief in the power of people to create positive change.’

Over the past 30 years, Marco has grown ProMo Cymru into a 50-strong social enterprise and established two helplines for young people.

He also raised £1.2 million to save Ebbw Vale Institute, which now attracts 6,000 visitors a month.

On hearing the announcement, Marco Gil-Cervantes said: ‘I am truly honoured to receive the Graham Benfield Outstanding Achievement Award, especially as its first recipient, and especially because it comes from the voluntary sector. It’s recognition beyond my expectations.

“But I really want to make clear that it is the voluntary sector itself that creates the magic. It’s the volunteers and staff who go the extra mile, each and every day, who enrich the lives of so many people – including my own, and in more ways than I could have ever imagined, when I started out 30 years ago. I’m profoundly grateful for everything it has given me.’

The Graham Benfield Outstanding Achievement Award is intended to recognise individuals whose contribution goes beyond a single project or moment, celebrating dedication, leadership and a lasting commitment to strengthening communities and the voluntary sector in Wales.

The recipient is selected by an independent judging panel.

The new category forms part of the Welsh Charity Awards, the only dedicated awards ceremony celebrating charities and voluntary organisations in Wales.

Eight other categories will also be presented at this year’s ceremony, recognising the work of organisations and volunteers across the country.

2026 Finalists

The winners of the eight award categories will be announced live at the ceremony.

Volunteer of the year (aged 26 years or over)

• Annie Hutchings

• Helen McCarthy

• Mark Jones

Sponsored by Social Investment Cymru

Young volunteer of the year (aged 25 years or under)

• Amélie Houghton

• Annie Miles-Davies

• Bowen Cole

Sponsored by The National Lottery Community Fund

Fundraiser of the year

• Faith in Families

• Media Academy Cymru Ltd

• The CAE

Co-Sponsored by Hedyn

Champion of diversity

• AP Cymru The Neurodiversity Charity

• Cybervists CIC

• Motion Control Dance

Co-sponsored by Bute Energy

Use of the Welsh language

• Cwmni Theatr Arad Goch

• Barnardo’s Cymru Virtual Family Space

• Meddwl Ymlaen Gwynedd a Môn

Sponsored by Darwin Gray

Most influential small organisation

• Children’s Legal Centre Wales Ltd

• Trefnu Cymunedol Cymru / Together Creating Communities

• VIBE Youth CIC

Sponsored by Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales

Health and wellbeing

• Eye to Eye Counselling Service

• Single Parents Wellbeing

• Tanio

Sponsored by Geldards

Organisation of the year

• Awel Aman Tawe

• Calan DVS

• Cancer Research Wales

• Domestic Abuse Safety Unit (DASU) North Wales

• Seren Ffestiniog Cyf

Sponsored by The Open University in Wales

The Welsh Charity Awards 2026 will take place at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Thursday, October 15, between 9pm and 11pm.

The ceremony will be hosted by BBC Wales Today presenter Jennifer Jones.