July 08, 2026 - 258 views
Peace campaigner Sir Terry Waite has been described as an “international treasure” after receiving a prestigious lifetime achievement award in North Wales.
The former hostage and humanitarian was presented with the special Wales Care Award during the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, where he served as president for 15 years.
The Welsh slate plaque was presented jointly by Sir Karl Jenkins, who succeeded Sir Terry as Eisteddfod president, and Mario Kreft, chair and founder of the Wales Care Awards.
Mr Kreft praised Sir Terry’s lifelong commitment to supporting vulnerable people, highlighting his work as a humanitarian and his dedication to social care.
“Quite simply, Sir Terry is an international treasure,” he said.
“He is a great humanitarian who has done so much for those in captivity, but I have also known him as the president of the International Eisteddfod.
“He understands community and values the contribution made by the arts and social care. This award recognises his lifetime interest in the care sector.”
The Craig Thomas Lifetime Achievement Award is among the highest honours presented through the Wales Care Awards, recognising individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to society.
Sir Terry became internationally known after travelling to Lebanon in 1987 as the Archbishop of Canterbury’s special envoy to negotiate the release of hostages. He was himself kidnapped and held captive for almost five years before being freed in 1991.
Since then, he has continued campaigning for peace, human rights and the release of hostages around the world, including helping secure the freedom of people held in countries such as Iran and Libya.
Sir Karl Jenkins said it was a privilege to present the award.
“Sir Terry’s compassion, courage and commitment to helping others have inspired people around the world for decades,” he said.
“He has given so much through his work for peace, human rights and social care, and this honour is a fitting recognition of an extraordinary lifetime of service.”
Sir Terry said he was honoured to receive the award and to return to Llangollen alongside old friends.
“It’s also a privilege to be back in Llangollen at the International Eisteddfod with Mario and Karl, both old friends,” he said.
“After 15 years here in Llangollen as president of the Eisteddfod I have come to regard myself as an honorary Welshman. This award confirms that status is a little bit more than honorary.”
Reflecting on his continuing humanitarian work, Sir Terry said he had recently spoken with a man detained in Iraq for five years and received news that his ordeal was coming to an end.
“We have over 100 such cases at the moment and the world is a sad place, but we should never forget that a kindly act can make a difference,” he said.
“The Llangollen Eisteddfod has made a difference in bringing people together from all over the world and making us a community of care, compassion and music.”
John Gambles said Sir Terry was a “truly deserving recipient” of the honour.
“His compassion, humility and lifelong commitment to helping others make him a truly deserving recipient of this award,” he said.
“His work has touched countless lives and continues to remind us of the values at the heart of social care – kindness, dignity and community.”
