AN INSPIRATIONAL woman who devoted her life to educating people about water safety following the death of her son has been recognised in the New Year's Honours List.

Debbie Turnbull, of Holywell, lost her 15-year-old son Christopher 17 years ago after he drowned in a river in Conwy while out swimming with friends at Cyfyng Falls near Capel Curig.

That fateful day on August 14, 2006, led to Debbie founding the non-profit organisation River and Sea Sense.

Since its establishment, she has educated over 650,000 young people in schools across North Wales and Ireland about the dangers that water can pose.

People from across Wales have been recognised for their selfless service to others this New Year.

The King’s New Year Honours List includes recipients who have made exceptional contributions to their local communities and the country as a whole.

And Debbie, who is originally from Rhos on Sea, is one of them, as she has received an MBE for 'services to water safety education for young people and their families'.

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Debbie organises basic first aid and CPR training with the Royal Life Saving Society, with special focus on secondary school children.

Speaking to the Leader about being appointed an MBE, she said: "I found out through a letter around November time. I have done a lot of work with the UK Government in the past so I didn't think anything of it initially.

"But when I read it and I saw the word 'MBE' I was so shocked. I was stood with my husband and I couldn't speak. It's difficult to put into words how I felt when I found out."

North Wales Pioneer: PIC: Debbie Turnbull's son, Christopher, who tragically died in 2006.

Talking about what's next for her and for River and Sea Sense in 2024, Debbie added: "The next phase is to take our sessions into more schools in the UK and work alongside teachers.

"I also want to make sure that we have more of an online presence so that parents can get easier access to information and our programmes."

Anyone can nominate someone for an honour. If you know someone who has achieved fantastic things worthy of recognition, go to the UK Government website to find out more about how you can put them forward.