THE British Red Cross celebrated the work of its North Wales-based emergency response volunteers at an awards evening on Monday (June 5) in Abergele. 

This was a chance to thank volunteers for their work and celebrate their achievements in the past 12 months.

It was attended by emergency response volunteers and other staff, alongside colleagues from other services.

A total of 17 volunteers received their certificates of recognition for completing all their training, while six received special certificates of recognition.

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A couple volunteers received long service awards, for five and 10 years of service respectively.

The event also included a video message from British Red Cross chief executive Mike Adamson, thanking all the volunteers for their work. 

Henry Barnes, Wales emergency response operations manager, said: “I’m proud of all our Emergency Response Volunteers here in North Wales and delighted we were able to celebrate them at our awards evening yesterday.

“We’re the world’s emergency responders. We’re proud to be there to help people when they need it most. But this is only possible because of our incredible volunteers. 

“Our volunteers are the kind, caring people who answer the call at all hours to give people a warm coat, a cup of tea or a human touch at what might be their lowest moment.

“Over the past year, they’ve responded to floods, fires and a gas explosion. I’m pleased we had the opportunity to recognise their commitment and achievements through our awards evening.”

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Kate Griffiths, British Red Cross director for Wales, said: “Volunteers are the heart of the Red Cross and these emergency response volunteers represent the very best of the Red Cross and the values we all strive to uphold.

“Volunteers are the unsung heroes of our communities but this Volunteers’ Week, I’m grateful to have the opportunity to pay tribute to these exceptional volunteers.

“If you’re inspired by our volunteers and the great work they do, we’re always looking for more extraordinary people to join the team.

“Whether you’re young or old, you could be our newest volunteer and work with these wonderful people.”