Ex-Longhill Student Honoured for Thai Cave Rescue

Last summer there was a nail-biting rescue mission to save 12 boys and their football coach in a flooded cave in Northern Thailand. The first divers to reach the children were Richard Stanton and ex-Longhill High School student, John Volanthen, who are both members of the South and Mid Wales Cave Rescue Team.

Not only has Mr Volanthen’s efforts been recognised around the world, with the hashtags #Heroes and #Thankyou trending on social media, he has made the New Year honours list and been awarded the George Medal, the second highest civilian gallantry award.

Mr Volanthen told BBC News that while his award was much appreciated, from his perspective as a parent, the most important thing was that the boys were rescued, saying that “I don’t think anyone could ask for any greater honour than being able to be a part of the team that returned the Wild Boars [football team] to their families.”

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