A Penarth man who saved a couple from drowning is among the nominees at this year's St David Awards.
Justin Biggs is nominated in the Bravery category for the presitigious event, which honours individual achievements from across Wales.
Justin was paddling his surf ski around Cardiff Bay when he came across a car upside down in the water near the local yacht club.
When he was told that someone was in the car, he leapt into action and entered the water to try and gain entry to the vehicle.
Knee deep in mud and chest deep in water, Justin struggled to open the car and only gained access to the rear passenger door, where he saw the head of an unconscious person face down and heard a second person actively drowning.
After rolilng the front seat backward enough to make space to enter underwater into the car, he pulled out a lady who had been trapped in the drivers seat and struggling to stay above water.
Justin held her above the water whilst heading back into the car to pull her husband out.
Unable to let go of the couple for long and facing a 200m wade through mud and water, he carried out what little CPR he could. After several rounds of chest compressions and coaching the wife to carry out rescue breaths, the husband opened his eyes.
Members of the Cardiff Bay Yacht Club arrived to help move the couple to the shore where firefighters, ambulance and police were waiting to assist.
Judges said two "very lucky" people are still alive today because "of the selfless action taken by Justin at the risk of his own life".
Now, Justin will find out at a Senedd ceremony on Thursday 27th March if he is among the eleven winners nominated by the public and chosen personally by the First Minister.
The other nominees are eight players of the Rhydyfelin Rugby Club who helped people to safety from a fatal fire at Treforest Industrial Estate - and PC Rhodri Jones of Dyfed Powys Police, who saved a woman and her dog from a cliff face.
First Minister, Eluned Morgan, said: "It’s a real privilege for me to name the finalists of the St David Awards for the first time. The awards bring together the best of Wales, with fantastic examples of the positive contribution people can make to other people’s lives."
“We have an incredible list of finalists this year, full of inspirational stories and impressive achievements. I can’t wait to see the finalists again at the awards ceremony next month.”
Work Begins on £29m New‑Build Project for Ysgol Iolo Morganwg
Rockfall prompts safety warning at Jackson’s Bay
Ten top events happening in the Vale of Glamorgan this Week
Gas Pipe Upgrade Works to Begin in Dinas Powys This Week
St Illtyd Primary Celebrates School of Sanctuary Award
Community Invited to Help Shape Llantwit Major’s Future
Senedd members call for better recognition of the impact of trauma in childhood
CCR Energy provide update following Aberthaw fire on Thursday
Plans have been put in place for an upgrade to a “state of the art” south Wales horse hospital
Lifeboat Crew Launch Within Minutes After Mayday Alert
Food Vale launches new cooking and nutrition programme across the Vale of Glamorgan
Senedd members press First Minister on biological sex, additional learning needs, and NHS jobs in FMQs
Littlechild & Haley Named Wales’ Professional Services StartUp of the Year
Meninigitis B vaccines to be offered to 17 and 18-years olds in Cardiff and the Vale
Barry Docks Wood Processing Plan Withdrawn After Months of Local Concern
Post Office Seeks New Operator in Dinas Powys as Village Faces Loss of Its Last Branch
Gardening team praised after helping police clear fallen tree near St Brides Major
Specsavers calls on children in Barry to design Wales Deaf Rugby World Cup shirts
Whitmore High Named One of UK’s Best Workplaces for Development
