Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of local veterans and organisations recognised at the 2026 Welsh Veterans Awards, held on July 8 at the prestigious 4-star Vale Resort in the Vale of Glamorgan.
The Welsh Veterans Awards honour the remarkable achievements of veterans, reservists, and organisations that support them. This year, Rhondda Cynon Taf was once again well represented with multiple winners and finalists from across the County Borough.
A huge congratulations to all local winners:
- Gareth Pennell – Gold Winner: Lifetime Achievement
Sponsored by Hugh James, this achievement recognises people for their entire military career and achievements in civilian life.
- Liam O’Leary – Gold Winner: Volunteer of the Year
Sponsored by Thales Group, this award recognises veterans or civilians who have volunteered their time and made an impact on, or contributed to, the development of veterans, performers, a club, their local or wider community, and events.
- Michael Roach – Gold Winner: The Community Award
Sponsored by Vigilance, this award recognises veterans who work for a business, organisation or charity that has gone above and beyond for their local community.
- Phil Richards – Silver Winner: Volunteer of the Year
- Michael Roach – Silver Winner: Inspiration of the Year Award
Sponsored by Rebecca & Tim Tomlin Reeves, this award recognises those who have inspired others within their community or in business with their actions.
- John Charles, High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan – Bronze Winner: Military Charity Fundraiser of the Year Award
Sponsored by Harlequin, this award recognises a veteran or civilian that has a passion for helping others and raising money for charitable organisations.
The evening was attended by Councillor Maureen Webber BEM, Deputy Leader and Armed Forces Champion, and was filled with emotion, pride and celebration. A highlight of the evening included a standing ovation for Gareth Pennell as he received his Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Council also extends its congratulations to four local finalists:
- Nigel Locke – The Community Awards
- Nigel Locke – Military Charity Fundraiser of the Year
- Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board (Veterans NHS Wales) – Health and Well-being Award
- Cynon Valley Veterans Group – Veterans Group of the Year
Councillor Maureen Webber BEM, Deputy Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Armed Forces Champion, said: “At Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, we are proud to support our Armed Forces community, past and present, and to champion initiatives that support their health, well-being and continued success.”
“I am absolutely delighted that Rhondda Cynon Taf was so strongly represented at this year’s Welsh Veterans Awards, with local veterans and organisations recognised as winners, runners-up and finalists across a number of categories.
“It was a particularly special moment to see Gareth Pennell receive a standing ovation as he was presented with the Gold Lifetime Achievement Award. His dedication, service and continued commitment to supporting others is truly inspiring, and this recognition is so well deserved.
“I would also like to congratulate Liam O’Leary on winning Gold in the Volunteer of the Year category, Michael Roach on receiving Gold in The Community Award and Silver in the Inspiration of the Year Award, Phil Richards on receiving Silver in Volunteer of the Year category, and John Charles, High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan, on receiving Bronze in the Military Charity Fundraiser of the Year category.
“These awards are a testament to the strength, resilience and community spirit of our local veterans, fundraisers and organisations across Rhondda Cynon Taf – and we are incredibly proud to see their dedication recognised on a national stage. Well done to everyone!”
The Welsh Veterans Awards were established in 2018 to celebrate the achievements of veterans, reservists and serving Armed Forces personnel. The awards are supported across the UK by main sponsor Thales Group, with Sierra Nevada Mission Systems UK as the lead sponsor in Wales, in support of The Army Benevolent Fund and the Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity.
The awards aim to inspire current and future service leavers by highlighting the achievements of those who have gone on to make a positive impact in civilian life.
Other categories include:
- Role Model of the Year
- Leader of the Year Award
- Entrepreneur of the Year
- Employer of the Year
- Veterans Business of the Year Award
- Reservist of the Year Award
- Veterans Group of the Year
- Cadet Adult Instructor of the Year
- Welsh Veterans Awards Champion
Find out more: Welsh Veterans Awards - The Veterans Awards
The Council’s Veteran Advice line offers free, confidential support for veterans and their families. To speak to dedicated officers in strict confidence, call 01443 425 020 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm), or use the online referral form to access support: Veteran Advice Service | Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
For more information on the Council’s wider commitment to the Armed Forces and veteran community, please visit: RCT Armed Forces Covenant
Posted on 15/07/2026