Rugby star James Hook's father receives Queen's medal
The father of Wales rugby international James Hook has collected a medal from the Queen for his work as a paramedic.
Richard Hook was awarded the Queen's Ambulance Service Medal in the New Year's Honours list for his dedication to the Welsh Ambulance Service.
Mr Hook collected his medal at a ceremony at Windsor Castle last Tuesday.
He is the third Welsh ambulance service staff member to given the medal since it was introduced in 2012.
Mr Hook joined the ambulance service in 1979 as an ambulance man and qualified as a paramedic in 1986 and is now one of 20 advanced paramedics in Wales.
Last year he was one of the first to sign-up for a campaign to encourage 1,000 NHS staff in Wales to lead by example and become fitter, shedding two-and-a-half stone (16 kg).
After his investiture, the Swansea paramedic said: "It was such an honour to be presented with my award from Her Majesty the Queen, especially with my family watching.
"I was pleased to accept the medal on behalf of my colleagues who work so hard as part of the Welsh Ambulance Service, which has been a major part of my life for so long.
"It was a day my family and I will never forget."