The Diana Award 2021

A Rhondda Cynon Taf resident has received The Diana Award 2021 in recognition of his work in daily life to create and sustain positive change.

Brad Williams, 22, of Mountain Ash, said he is incredibly proud to receive the award during the global virtual awards ceremony held on Monday, June 28. Rhondda Cynon Taf Mayor, Councillor Jill Bonetto, is among those paying tribute to his work.

Mr Williams began his personal “social action journalism journey” at the age of 14, as a pupil at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School. His love of journalism continues to this day and he spends his spare time volunteering at the GTFM community radio station, based in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Mayor, Councillor Jill Bonetto, said: “On behalf of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, and all of its residents, I  would like to congratulate Brad Williams on being honoured at The Diana Awards 2021 in recognition of his exemplary community work.

“All of our young people have voices that deserve to be heard. Young people have the opportunity to help us all change the world and The Diana Awards allows our young people to have their say at the highest level.”

Established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, who would have been 60 this year, the Award is given out annually by the charity of the same name and has the support of both her sons, The Duke of Cambridge and The Duke of Sussex.

The ‘Mission’ of The Diana Award charity is to foster, develop and inspire positive change in the lives of young people across the UK. It is the only charity set up in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, and her belief that young people have the power to change the world.

Brad Williams, recipient of The Diana Award 2021, said: “I am extremely honoured and incredibly proud to accept this award. I have received the most prestigious accolade a young person can for their social action or humanitarian work.

“As well as my family and friends, I would like to thank Mr David Church at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School, for his incredible support and guidance whilst I was studying and after leaving school.”

A spokesperson for Mountain Ash Comprehensive School said: “Brad Williams has a relentless passion for supporting his local community. He is an aspiring journalist who uses his own news channel Cynon Valley News, youth-led magazines and his volunteer hours on community radio to engage young people in social actions and volunteering opportunities.

This has helped raised thousands of pounds for charity and inspired his peers to do the same. Brad’s work continues, recently using his platform to petition the local authority to improve road safety near a primary school.

Tessy Ojo, CEO of The Diana Award, said: “We congratulate all our new Diana Award recipients from the UK and all over the globe who are changemakers for their generation.

“We know by receiving this honour they will inspire more young people to get involved in their communities and begin their own journey as active citizens. 

“For over 20 years The Diana Award has valued and invested in young people encouraging them to continue to make positive change in their communities and lives of others.”