TWO Barry men who shown dedication to the community have been recognised in the Welsh Ambulance Service Staff Awards 2020.

Community First Responder, Bryan Foley and emergency medical technician Dean Caldwell were among more than a dozen people in the fifth annual staff awards ceremony.

The Dr Jennifer Bucknell Community First Responder Award was presented posthumously to Mr Foley, of Barry, who died in June 2020, and Lynn Woolls, of Pontyclun, who died in November.

The Chief Executive’s Award went to Dean Caldwell, for delivering compassionate patient care and his sterling work to support charities.

The Dr Jennifer Bucknell Community First Responder Award recognises individuals or teams who have gone the extra mile to deliver excellence in first response to their local community.

Mr Foley attended on average 300 999 incidents annually on behalf of WAST, undoubtedly making a significant difference to the people within his community.

Like many of our volunteers, he shared his time to volunteer for so many other associations – signs of his passion to support his community.

Daughter, Emma Foley speaking on behalf of her sister and brother, said: “As many will know, our dad, Bryan Foley, shunned the limelight and chose not to recognise what he achieved.

“He was wholly dedicated to First Responding undertaking, on average, 400 to 500 calls annually.

“Words simply cannot describe how proud we are of our father.

“He was awarded this accolade, alongside Lynn Woolls of Pontyclun, for all the work he did in Barry and the surrounding area.

"They both left their mark on the service, the communities they worked in and the peoples’ lives they touched.”

Following his award, Mr Caldwell, of Barry Island, said: “I feel honoured and privileged to be the winner of the 2020 Welsh Ambulance Service Chief Executive’s Award – for delivering compassionate patient care and sterling work to support charities.

“During my 20yrs service I have always cared and had compassion.

“I’ve always wanted to make a difference to and for people.

“My aim in life is to empower and support people of all walks of life.

“I always do this with respect and empathy and I'm also always mindful of the equality of everyone.”

Mr Caldwell has supported charities such as Teenage Cancer Trust, Dementia & Alzheimer’s Society, Wales Air Ambulance, RNLI, Macmillan Cancer, Marie Curie, Autism, Ty Hafan and Tenovus, Sing with Barry and Barry buddies friends of Tenovus.

He also visits residential and nursing homes singing to all the residents in his spare time.

Mr Caldwell thanked the panel and his crew partner Rhiannon Owens and the selection panel and chief executive for choosing him as the winner.

“This is such an achievement,” he added. “I’m still involved with many more very heart-touching charities.”

Chief executive Jason Killens said: “Our staff awards are a brilliant way to recognise the sterling efforts of staff and volunteers who demonstrate overwhelming commitment and do a great job for the people of Wales, every day.

“The Covid-19 pandemic meant we couldn’t host the ceremony in the usual way this year, but it has given us the opportunity to pause and reflect on our achievements in a different way.

“It’s been a really tough year for the NHS, so it’s more important than ever to take stock of the last 12 months and say a big thank you to our people, without whom Wales’ national ambulance service simply would not exist.”

Chairman, Martin Woodford added: “Often, our people don’t realise that what they do is special; they see it as part of their daily job, so the staff awards are an excellent way to shine a light on their work and recognise that effort.

“We heard some incredible stories as part of the ceremony, and I’d like to extend a huge heartfelt congratulations to all of our winners.”