A foster carer who has worked for Powys County Council for 18 years has received an MBE in the New Year Honours.

Mair Wilson, who says she is part of a team providing care with her husband Roy, their own children Nia, Rhys and Dale, and even family friends, said: “I keep on wanting to pinch myself, I’m going to wake up in a minute.

“It’s really lovely. I’m very honoured and very humbled as well, I can’t believe it.”

Mair and Roy, who live near Llandrindod Wells, have looked after 13 children on long-term placement and many more for short-term, respite and emergency stays.

Although the role can be challenging – as many of the children have experienced trauma – she says it can also be very rewarding.

“When you see them when they are working, or when they have got families of their own, and you see how they are with their own children – and they are a really wholesome family – that is your reward,” she said.

They had a house full of 17 people on Christmas Day – at her daughter’s – and 24 on Boxing Day, as many of their previous foster children returned to visit.

Mair added: “The thing you need most as a foster carer is belief. You need to believe that they can achieve. If you believe in them, they start to believe in themselves and that’s when you start making progress.”

She also paid tribute to the support she receives from Powys County Council’s Fostering Team and added: “We couldn’t wish for better really.”

You can find out more about fostering in Powys by visiting the website: https://powys.fosterwales.gov.wales/

If you are interested in becoming a foster carer, you can complete an online form, email: [email protected] or call: 0800 22 30 627.

Mair and Roy have also been nominated for a Silver Kite (Powys County Council) award, for their work as foster carers, which they will collect later this month.

Also recognised in this year’s honours were Neil and Sasha Lewis, originally from Brecon.

Mr and Mrs Lewis, who co-founded Tiny Toes Nursery in Southamptom, received MBEs in the New Year's Honours List .

A statement on the Tiny Toes Nursery website said: “Neil and Sasha would like to thank our incredible team, our wonderful families, and the wider community for being part of the Tiny Toes journey. In return, Tiny Toes would like to thank Neil and Sasha for creating Tiny Toes and for leading with trust, enabling everyone to thrive, and building a community rooted in togetherness. This truly is a moment for us all.”

Meanwhile, Brian Rees, of Abbeycwmhir near Llandrindod Wells, has been awarded an MBE in recognition of his contribution to farm safety. Over nearly four decades, he has worked to highlight the agriculture industry’s poor safety record and drive improvements to protect those working on farms.

In total, 67 people from Wales were celebrated in His Majesty The King’s New Years Honours List 2026.