A Wales Air Ambulance volunteer has been recognised at the High Sheriff of West Glamorgan Awards 2026.
86-year-old Graham Hirst from Swansea, was among the recipients at a special event held at the Waterfront Church in SA1 on Saturday, 30 January 2026.
He attended the awards with his daughter Nichola, who says she is ‘very proud’ of her dad.
Graham said: “It has felt wonderful to be part of such a lovely event, but I am one of many volunteers who support Wales Air Ambulance, day in and day out.
“I didn’t expect anything like this for what I do. I do it because I enjoy it, I get a lot of satisfaction out of supporting this incredible lifesaving service.
“I was quite surprised to receive this award. I am a backroom boy, and happy with that.”
Graham has had a varied career serving with the Merchant Navy as an engineer, then working as a foreman for Alcoa for thirty years.
He started out at the warehouse in Swansea, driving the van and helped to fit out the Charity’s first shop, but nowadays you are more likely to find him at the Dafen HQ sorting the collection boxes.
Graham said: “For the first 11 years I had the full support of my wife Vera. She sadly passed away six years ago, and since then besides me helping the charity, it has helped keep me occupied.”
Nichola agreed and added: “There is only my dad and I left, but if my mum was still here, she would be very proud of him.
“Since her passing, I think his voluntary work has kept him going and given him a purpose.”
She admits ‘there were a few tears’, as she watched her dad, walking to the podium to receive his special recognition.
Nichola said: “An award ceremony is probably one of the last places you would expect to see my dad.
“He does what he does because he loves it, it keeps him busy, and to be honest I think it really keeps him young.”
48-year-old Diana Stroia was appointed as the High Sheriff of West Glamorgan in 2025. Her term in office will come to an end in March.
The role is largely ceremonial, with those appointed supporting and promoting the work of voluntary organisations; and supporting the judiciary by attending High Court Judges on circuit.
Diana said: “For nearly two decades, Graham — known to many in Swansea for his trademark cowboy hats and ever-present smile — has been at the heart of volunteering for the Wales Air Ambulance Charity.
“He has supported the Charity from the early days, and his commitment has seen him undertake many roles.
“Volunteering has also given Graham purpose and connection during difficult personal times, and the Charity is richer for his presence.
“He is, quite simply, irreplaceable, an outstanding example of dedication and community service. Congratulations on this very well-deserved recognition.”
Representatives from the Wales Air Ambulance Charity were among the invited guests.
Dr Sue Barnes, Wales Air Ambulance’s Chief Executive said: “Graham is one of our longest service volunteers and is outstanding! We are all so proud of him, he really is such a stalwart of the Charity.
“He is usually one of the first faces I see at the Dafen headquarters on Thursday, always his usual upbeat self.
“Graham gives so much to the Charity, but I know he gets a lot from what he does too. As he puts it: “When I see that helicopter go up… we are part of that.
“It’s wonderful to see him honoured in this way, for his dedication to our lifesaving service.”
