THE SENEDD will be lit in rainbow colours in the run up to Christmas to pay tribute to thousands of people who have made a difference in their communities this year.

From NHS staff to key workers, front-line services and community groups, individuals and businesses – ordinary people have done extraordinary things to help each other through the pandemic.

To thank them, the Senedd will light up every night until the New Year, including Christmas Day.

Some of the individual stories of care and kindness are celebrated in the Senedd’s gallery of Community Champions after Members of the Senedd were asked to nominate extraordinary local heroes who have helped others in their area.

A poem of dedication has been written especially for them by the National Poet of Wales, Ifor ap Glyn, and all their stories and photos are celebrated on social media – #ChampionsGallery

Some of the nominated Community Champions include Mike ‘Puffa’ Jones who has been busy renovating bikes for key workers, children and families in Newport; Northop Hall’s Presbyterian Church’s lunch club, delivering meals to their 30 members, without fail, throughout the pandemic; and Delores Ho Sang in Rhayader who offered her services by doing shopping, collecting prescriptions Brooke Graham, Bangoror simply checking in with a phone call.

Also among the 48 Community Champions are Keyston Young Farmers’ Club, marathon-running fundraiser Ian Turner from Aberconwy and 13-year-old budding ‘Bake Off’ star Brooke Graham from Maesgeirchen, Bangor.

Llywydd of the Senedd, Elin Jones MS, pays tribute to dedicated individuals all over the country: “We have heard countless stories about people’s care and kindness. The Community Champions, nominated by their Members of the Senedd, are just the tip of the iceberg, but they represent the amazing things people have done to care for those around them. Whether it was distributing food parcels to those in need, fundraising for the NHS or keeping people connected during isolation, each one has made a difference. This Christmas we are lighting the Senedd in rainbow colours to thank them and those who are still caring for us – in hospitals, care homes, schools and services across the country.

“We can take inspiration and hope from their stories, and whilst the Christmas period can still be a time of joy, we must not forget our duty to care for loved ones and the vulnerable in our communities. It is more important than ever to show kindness this festive period. Nadolig Llawen.”

More about the Champions:

Mike ‘Puffa’ Jones

Mike ‘Puffa’ Jones believes every child should own a bike, so he has been recycling unwanted bikes and donating them to children and key-workers, making a big difference to young people and families in this pandemic. He has been nominated by Jayne Bryant MS, Member of the Senedd for Newport West to be part of our gallery of community champions

Northop Hall’s Presbyterian Church’s lunch club

Jean, Angela, Jennifer, and Ann of Northop Hall’s Presbyterian Church’s lunch club. The lunch club has been providing lunches to the community’s elderly for six years. This year they went the extra mile and delivered easter lunches and teas to their 30 members. They have been nominated by Hannah Blythyn MS, Member of the Senedd for Delyn to feature in our gallery of community champions.

Delores Ho Sang

“Always cheerful, helpful and efficient Del is a ray of sunshine and a true community champion.” In Rhayader, many older and vulnerable residents say that they might not have gotten through Covid-19 without Del. Del has provided support to them via telephone, and helped with shopping, and collecting prescriptions. Delores Ho Sang has been nominated by Kirsty Williams MS, Member of the Senedd for Brecon and Radnorshire to be part of our gallery of community champions.

Keyston Young Farmers’ Club

Keyston YFC led by, Eleri George ran the community response to Covid-19 and have helped the community on over 120 occasions. They have also held a fundraising walk raising over £2,700 for hospital patients in Pembrokeshire. They have been nominated by Paul Davies MS, Member of the Senedd for Preseli Pembrokeshire to feature in our gallery of community champions.

Ian Turner

Ian has been a figurehead in Aberconwy’s community for decades, as a volunteer of Childline and many cancer charities. He recently completed his 13th London Marathon event in their honour. Ian has been nominated by Janet Finch-Saunders MS, Member of the Senedd for Aberconwy to feature in our gallery of community champions

Brooke Graham

13-year-old Brooke has been busy making and selling cheesecakes and traditional sponge cakes in her community of Maesgeirchen, Bangor. She raises money to purchase much needed essentials for the NHS. Brooke Graham has been nominated by Sian Gwenllian MS, Member of the Senedd for Arfon to feature in our gallery of community champions