SECRETARY of State for Wales David Jones has today, June 14, extended his congratulations to Welsh recipients of the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2014.

65 people feature on the Wales list, with two receiving CBEs, eight awarded OBEs, 32 awarded MBEs and 22 receiving BEMs (British Empire Medals).

There is also a Knighthood for Professor Michael J Owen Director of the Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute at Cardiff University, for services to neuroscience and mental health.

Among the well-known names being honoured is the Head Coach to the Wales Rugby Union team, Warren Gatland, who is awarded an OBE for services to rugby. Singer, author and broadcaster, Cerys Matthews is also awarded a MBE for services to music.

Robert Brynmor Lewis JP, the chair of Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice in Sully was awarded an MBE in recognition of his voluntary service to Paediatric Palliative Care.

Mr Lewis, 63, of Radyr in Cardiff, became one of the founding Trustees of Ty Hafan children’s hospice, Wales’ only paediatric palliative care charity.

His dedication to the charity has allowed Ty Hafan to thrive in difficult financial circumstances.

It was during his NHS career that he first identified the opportunity to gift the charity the land upon which the hospice was built. He has been Chair since 2005 and has made a significant impact on the charity’s activities.

The charity’s income grew from £5m to £76m, its reserve from £7.4m to £12.7m and the number of children in service from 140 to over 200. He was responsible for an initiative called the Vacs and Fax System which could take samples in vacuum-tubes and send the test results back via a fax machine; in short, patients waiting for a test result could wait half an hour instead of making a second appointment. His experience of working within NHS Trusts has helped guide T? Hafan onto strong foundations and build up a quality hospice in south Wales.

Secretary of State for Wales David Jones MP said:

“I'm delighted to extend my warmest congratulations to everyone recognised in today's Queen's Birthday Honours list.

“Every year, hundreds of people who serve their communities and country – often without expectation of reward – are honoured in this way. They are selected for their dedication, commitment and tireless work in helping to improve the lives of others.

“It is always so uplifting to hear of the good work being done by those honoured, and to see the positive difference they make to our nation. I am proud to add my thanks and congratulations to them all."