Anwen Butten, a Head and Neck Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist at Glangwili Hospital, has been recognised with an MBE in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for her extraordinary contributions to nursing, cancer care, and sport.

Part of the team at Glangwili Hospital, Anwen has been a pillar of support for patients and families across west Wales, combining clinical excellence with deep compassion over her distinguished 30-year career.

Reflecting on the award, Anwen Butten said: “I am deeply humbled to receive this honour. Nursing has been my life’s work and passion, and I’ve been privileged to care for so many incredible people. This recognition is not just for me, but for the entire Head and Neck Cancer team and the wider Hywel Dda [University Health Board] family who support and inspire me every day.”

Anwen receives this prestigious honour in recognition of her outstanding contribution to sport and to nursing and cancer care.

In addition to her clinical leadership, Anwen is also known nationally and internationally, having represented Wales in bowls since 1988. In 2022, she was named Team Wales captain for the Commonwealth Games.

“Anwen’s dedication to her patients and her profession is truly inspiring,” said Sharon Daniel, Executive Director of Nursing, Quality & Patient Experience. “She leads with humility, compassion and strength, and this honour is a fitting tribute to her decades of service and the lives she has touched.”

A spokesperson for the local health board expressed pride in Anwen’s achievement:

“Hywel Dda University Health Board is proud to celebrate the recognition of Anwen Butten, Head and Neck Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist, who has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours.

“The Health Board extends its warmest congratulations to Anwen and her family on this well-deserved recognition.”