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The special evening at the Orangery saw a total of thirteen awards being presented, whose stories ranged from the unbreakable bond of siblings to saving the life of a stranger (see below for a full list of winners). 

A raffle also helped raise hundreds of pounds for two charities chosen by Cllr Wayne Carpenter and Mrs Carol Carpenter, which are Type-1-derful and Alzheimer’s Society Cymru.

Mayor’s Citizen Awards – 2026 Winners

Below are the winners of each award category. Please note some of the information contains details you may find upsetting.

Mayor’s Special Recognition Award

Winner: Neath Foodbank

Background: Thousands of people have been supported by Neath Foodbank since it started serving the community in 2011. It operates from Orchard Place as part of the Trussell Trust Network, with food parcels tailored to a household’s needs. The team of 40 volunteers are united by a shared commitment to helping others.

Outstanding Bravery Award (Sponsored by Runtech)

Winner: Elin Locke

Background: Elin Locke was first on scene after a hit-and-run on the A465 last year. The man had suffered a traumatic amputation of his leg. Elin applied a torniquet to control the bleeding. Paramedics say her calm and decisive action saved his life. This Citizen Awards ceremony saw them reunited for the very first time since that incident.

Good Neighbour Award (sponsored by Associated British Ports)

Winner: Leo Farthing

Background: 9-year-old Leo collects surplus food from a supermarket for a community centre fridge which helps families who need it most. During a power-cut, he helped ensure people had hot meals and even raised the alarm for a resident who’d fallen. He’s also a passionate litter-picker and can be regularly seen keeping Crynant clean.

Environment and Heritage Award (sponsored by Andrew Scott Limited)

Winner: Glantawe Riverside Park Volunteers

Background: This hardworking team of volunteers has transformed a former industrial site into a beautiful, biodiverse parkland. They work closely with the local community to gather stories and memories which boosts the spirit of the park. The 26-acre site also serves as an education hub.

Young Carer Award (sponsored by The Orangery, Margam Park)

Winner: Arlo Davies

Background: Despite Arlo being just 7 years old, his family say he shows love, strength and compassion well beyond his years. His older brother, Alfie, has autism and severe learning difficulties. Even though Alfie is non-verbal, their communication as brothers couldn’t be clearer thanks to Arlo understanding his every need. Arlo has also raised £1,000 for Alfie’s school in Bryncoch.
 

Teacher of the Year Award (sponsored by Kip McGrath Tuition Centre)

Winner: Cath Tucker

Background: As Deputy Headteacher of Ysgol Maes Y Coed in Bryncoch, Cath Tucker was nominated for her dedication and unwavering commitment to children with additional learning needs. She also started a fundraising initiative so that students can make life-long memories.  

Child of Courage Award (sponsored by Trade Centre Wales)

Winner: Shantia Gilley

Background: Shantia from Seven Sisters bravely decided to have a bone marrow and stem cell transplant to try and save her 7-year-old sister, Sharelle who had been diagnosed with AML - an acute form of Leukemia. Following the operation, their contact was limited to video calls. Despite Shantia being a 100% match, sadly Sharelle’s cancer returned, and she passed away in February 2025. Their mother says the unbreakable bond between her daughters will forever be a comfort.

Volunteer of the Year Award (sponsored by Zoah’s Ark)

Winner: Ann Mayers

Background: Ann Mayers has volunteered at Briton Ferry Community Shop in Villiers Street for 30+ years. As Manager, her staff say she makes sure every penny made goes back into the community. Ann and her team have raised more than half-a-million pounds for local charities and good causes.

Health and Wellbeing Award (sponsored by Centregreat Limited)

Winner: Darren Chapple and The Gnoll Parkrun Team

Background: Gnoll parkrun is a free 5k event which has been supporting the health and wellbeing of the community for more than a decade. It takes place every Saturday morning at the beautiful Gnoll Country Park in Neath.

Performing Arts Award (sponsored by Pontardawe Arts Centre)

Winner: Mess Up the Mess Theatre Company

Background: This not-for-profit enterprise based in Gwaun Cae Gurwen in the Amman Valley has been using creativity and imagination to empower others through theatre and the arts across South Wales since 2005. They embrace Welsh and English languages and believe the ideas and feelings of young people should drive every performance.

Community Champion Award (sponsored by Aberafan Shopping Centre)

Winner: Margaret Davies

Background: As Chairperson at ‘Forward 4 Fairyland’ in Neath, 84-year-old Margaret Davies continues to lead with passion and determination after 23 years. Run by a committee of just four volunteers, the community group has transformed the Fairyland Estate into a place defined by pride, participation and positive change.

Contribution to Charity Award (sponsored by TATA Steel UK)

Winner: Charlotte Moses

Background: Charlotte sadly lost her sister, Meg following a battle with stomach cancer. Meg, who was 29, is described as someone who “had a warmth that filled a room and an amazing sense of humour”. Charlotte has raised more than £12,000 for Singleton Hospital to thank them for giving Meg “the most amazing care”.

Sport Star of the Year Award (sponsored by Aberavon RFC)

Winner: Hannah Brier

Background: Hannah manages to combine a world-class athletic career with her ‘day job’ as a full-time youth worker with Neath Port Talbot’s Youth Service, where she supports young people who are disengaged from education, employment or training. Hannah has represented Wales and Great Britain on the international stage in the 100, 200m and 4x400m events. She’s also been selected for the GB and Northern Ireland team at the World Athletics Championships in Japan.

Neath Port Talbot Mayor, Cllr Wayne Carpenter said:

“I’d like to thank all the winners and those who nominated them for attending what was a very special evening. The calibre of submissions we received this year was extremely high, and being able to choose only one winner for each category made it an immensely difficult task.

“I was very moved by the stories, and I’m so pleased we’ve been able to recognise these incredible people in our communities.

“I’m also grateful for the funds raised on the night for my two chosen charities. Every penny helps make a real difference.”

Tata Steel UK’s Public Affairs and Community Manager Lewis Clark said:

“It was great to be involved in another excellent Neath Port Talbot Citizen Awards – which highlights the very best of the local community.

“Thank you to all the winners for your hard work in improving our local area; and to the organisers for putting on a great evening. We look forward to supporting the event again in 2027.”

Chairman and Founder of Trade Centre Wales, Mark Bailey said:

“We at Trade Centre Wales were once again delighted and honoured to support the Mayor of Neath Port Talbot Citizen Awards. Congratulations to all nominees and award winners.

"It was wonderful to play our part in recognising and rewarding such inspirational people whose selfless efforts make a massive difference to so many in our community.”