A Gwendraeth Valley grandmother has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honour List after 50 years’ service in the health service.

Margaret Rees Hughes, from Penygroes, has been awarded the Queen’s British Empire Medal (BEM) for her services to the NHS in Wales.

The mother-of-two began her career in the NHS in 1967 at Morriston Hospital initially training as a State Registered Nurse. She then held several nursing and managerial posts during her 39 year career at the hospital gaining her MSc in Health Care Management in 2003.

During the latter part of her career, Margaret held two Welsh Government appointments. The first for three years as Nurse Non-Officer member with Carmarthenshire Local Health Board, followed by Independent Members (Community) with Hywel Dda University Health Board for eight years.

Margaret retired from the NHS in April this year after a career spanning half a century.

The 69-year-old said: “I received the letter in May and I’ve had to keep the news to myself for over a month.

“I am so thrilled and honoured.

“When I read the letter I cried and it made me think of my late mother who I wish was here to see this.

“I loved my job and the main part for me was the patient care and looking after people.”

As well as working for the NHS, Margaret is a member of community groups including Penygroes History Society, an organist at Penygroes Independent Chapel and also shares her knowledge at the Healthy Allsorts group in the community where she offers advice to members.

The grandmother-of-four will now be attending a ceremony next spring at Buckingham Palace where she will be presented with her award.

Bernardine Rees OBE, Chair of Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “On behalf of the health board, I’m delighted to congratulate both our former Independent Member Margaret Rees-Hughes on the news that she is to receive recognition for her contributions to nursing in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

“Margaret has contributed greatly to the NHS, having dedicated 50 years of service to healthcare in west Wales.

“In her role as Independent Member, Margaret championed both our workforce and the promotion of Welsh language in healthcare.”