Hywel James

My brother is a local hero. He is a kind, hard working ordinary man with an extra-ordinary talent - and that talent is raising money for local charities through sport. In 2005 and 2007 he ran the London Marathon. In 2006 he completed 'Ironman UK'. In 2008 he ran the Paris marathon, in 2009 the Cardiff half marathon. From 2005 to 2009 he has competed in the gruelling Tough Guy competition every year as well as a number of triathlon events across the UK. In 2010 he completed his biggest challenge to date, the Marathon des Sables - a 6 day / 151 mile endurance race across the Sahara Desert in Morocco. And, in June 2011 he cycled 500 miles across Wales. His hard work has had a huge impact on the local community as he has raised over £18,000 for the following charities: Noah's Ark Appeal, Cardiff; Kandel-light, UK; NOMA- Facing Africa; Bobath Cerebral Palsy Wales; Get Kids Going, UK. Furthermore, he raised all this money whilst working hard to qualify as a doctor in Cardiff. There is no doubt that my brother cares for people - he has dedicated his young life to the NHS, working as a physiotherapist and now as a junior doctor in South Wales. The actions of young people in Britain have been in the spotlight recently as a result of the summer riots - I believe that my brother shows how young people do a great deal of good too. Hywel is a quiet young man who never expects a thank you but he truly deserves this honour.