A Ceredigion couple who founded a project providing camping experiences for hundreds of children with upper limb differences have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Dawn Marie Davies and Robert Davies of Tyn Cae Tregaron are the co-founders of Reach Tyn Cae Camping Weekend.

They have both been awarded the MBE for services to children, young people and their families.

The Davies’ set up camping weekends on their land at Tyn Cae for the Reach charity, which is the leading UK charity providing support for those with upper limb differences and their families.

Rob and Dawn joined Reach after their second son, Stephen, now a sports activity officer for Ceredigion council was born in 1987 with a partially developed left hand.

After a couple of years they volunteered their land for the Reach Camping weekend which provided fun, rest and the chance for families to connect for 25 years.

(Image: Davies family)

The long weekend, organised by the Davies family ran every year for quarter of a century, including virtual cams during lockdown.

It was packed with activities including backing, workshops, a barbeque, picnics, trips to tourism hot spots, a raffle and a family quiz as well as plenty of chill out time.

The weekend was free for all Reach members, although donations were welcome, and was arranged by the Davies family who also secured donations help and support from local businesses.

Rob Davies is turning 72 on the day that the honour has been officially announced.

“I am getting the King’s birthday honour on my birthday,” he said.

“We had 27 years of hard work and we are suddenly getting one big thank you. We are quite proud of it.”

Other Tivysiders who have been honoured today include John Fletcher, 70, founder of Gentle Giants Shires at Penrallt Uchaf, Moylegrove, see linked article, and Katherine Ann Hughes from Llanon for voluntary and charitable services.