Bravery Awards nominees enjoy reception with Home Secretary
10 July 2025
Gwent Police’s nominees for the 2025 national Police Bravery Awards shared their pride at being part of an exclusive reception with the Home Secretary at Downing Street.
PC Ryan Blair-Baggs, PC Robbie Higgins, PC Abigail Jenkins-Murphy and Special Constable Mark Lee spoke to the Federation in London ahead of the Bravery Awards ceremony on the evening of Thursday 10 July.
The group of officers were nominated for their courageous actions attempting to save a man from a burning car in Cwmbran.
After spending some time with Ms Cooper, Ryan said: “It was excellent to have that recognition from an important figure, and I’m glad so many officers have been able to experience that for the acts of bravery which have happened up and down the country.
“Although we don’t go to work every day and do our jobs to be recognised, there’s no denying it is lovely to receive this sort of acknowledgement and it’s just great to see everyone here today.”
The four nominees were joined by their loved ones at the reception, many of whom will also attend the evening ceremony.
“My wife and other members of my family are here, who are all very proud of me. We couldn’t do this job without their support, so for them to come along and enjoy this too is lovely,” Ryan continued.
Robbie echoed these thoughts, adding: “As Ryan said, we don’t do what we do for the recognition, but it’s a great thing to be here and surrounded by friends and family.”
Recognition
Equally, the team said they felt privileged to be joined by each other. Abigail said: “It’s fantastic to work with these guys – they’re amazing and it doesn’t feel like work at all when I’m with them.
“They make it all a good laugh and I think it makes it extra special that we’re representing the Force in strong numbers at a national event like this.”
As Gwent Special Constabulary’s sole representative at the Bravery Awards, Mark said he felt ‘thrilled’ to be present at the event.
“I’ve got my blood family here, but my wider family too – the police family, which I’ve been part of as a volunteer for a long time," he said.
“I’m very proud to be here alongside other officers for their incredible deeds, and to be recognised as part of this means a lot.”
