Richard attends St David Awards tonight as finalist for award
Each year the St David Awards celebrate exceptional people and extraordinary achievements in Wales. Tonight Richard will attend the awards ceremony at the Senedd in Cardiff, nominated as a finalist for the St David Award in the sport category.
Richard has been nominated as a finalist alongside professional cyclists Geraint Thomas MBE and Nicole Cooke MBE. The finalists were announced by the First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones on 12th February.
You can follow tonight’s awards ceremony on Twitter or via Wales online.
The St David Awards were established in 2014 to recognise the great deeds and contributions made by people from all walks of life in Wales. They acknowledge people who are making a real difference for Wales – either at home or abroad. The awards are great marks of distinction and the highest accolades that Welsh Government confers on its citizens nationally.
Now in their second year, there are eight award categories – Bravery, Citizenship, International, Culture, Enterprise, Innovation and Technology, Sport and Young Person.
Richard has been nominated following extraordinary achievements over the last four years, which firstly saw him complete his 737 Challenge, becoming the first person to climb the highest mountain on each of the world's 7 continents and stand on all 3 poles within 7 months, as well as raising over £326,000 in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care and creating an advertising value worth over £3 million to the cancer charity.
He’s also been nominated for his most recent expedition, which saw Richard become the fastest Briton in history to reach the South Pole, solo, unassisted and unsupported, taking 9 days off the existing record. Last year’s coast to pole solo expedition also saw him become the first Welsh person to ski solo to the South Pole.
Richard stated; “It’s been a whirlwind last four years, which all started from the lowest point of my life. I am extremely honoured and humbled to be nominated for a St David Award. I am a proud Welshman and representing my country, both as a rugby player and now on my expeditions in the furthest corners of our planet means so much to me. On every expedition I undertake I carry my Welsh flag and Union Jack flag, and when I am not on expedition my Welsh flag lives in the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.” He added; “I am really looking forward to this evenings ceremony and to meet all the other finalists, for me it’s an honour just to be part of such a special night and celebration.”
