A GWENT Police detective who has battled Parkinson’s disease for more than 17 years has been presented with a Queen’s Police Medal.

Hywel Griffiths, who has played a leading role in several high profile investigations into serious, organised and major crime across Gwent and South Wales, was presented with the award at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, November 10.

The award was made in recognition of his distinguished police service, and also for the work that he has done to increase awareness of Parkinson’s disease, to fundraise for Parkinson’s UK, and to raise awareness of living and working with a disability.

Mr Griffiths, who attended the ceremony with his wife Karen, said he was ‘extremely proud and humbled’ to be presented with the award.

He added: “My circumstances briefly are that 17 years ago, whilst working as a an operational dog handler with Gwent Police, I was diagnosed as suffering with Parkinson’s disease at the tender young age of 32 years.

“It was devastating news but my family, friends and my employers gave me great encouragement and support.

“I was transferred into the intelligence side of policing, where through a combination of retraining with Gwent Police and my own personal efforts - after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease I am proud to say that I earned a BSc and a diploma in social policy from the Open University - I was able to play a leading role in many high profile and major investigations into serious, organised and major crime across Gwent and South Wales.

“I have been awarded with a number of Chief Constable’s Commendations – two for my courage and bravery in my operational duties before diagnosis, and the majority of the others have been for my analytical, investigative and presentational skills in the battle against crime.”

Mr Griffiths, who was chosen for the award in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, added: “Although Parkinson’s affects your brain – it doesn’t affect your intelligence and I can quite proudly say that I have successfully caught more criminals with a mouse than I ever would have with a dog.

“I am still working full time over 17 years after diagnosis and I honestly believe that one person who has played a successful role in this time is my wonderful and dedicated Parkinson’s nurse specialist, Debbie Davies.”

He added that he has now started writing poetry and just had his second book published.