Mrs Vernester Cyril OBE trained first as a nurse at the Royal Gwent and St Woolos Hospitals in Newport and then as a midwife. She passed her exams in 1973 with flying colours and was awarded the Best Promising Midwife award.

She worked at Lydia Beynon Maternity Hospital [now part of the Celtic Manor Resort] for three years, before returning to the Royal Gwent where she remained for the next thirty years. During that time, she delivered and assisted at the births of well over 500 babies.

Mrs Cyril worked tirelessly and was promoted to senior midwife manager.

Her long career ended on a high when she was nominated for - and won British Journal of Midwifery, Midwife of the Year 2006.