Cath John, president of the Welsh Association of the Costa del Sol, has been named foreign resident of the year in Benalmádena’s 2026 Person of the Year awards.
The award recognises her contribution to intercultural relations and her involvement in cultural, social and charitable activities. John has lived in Benalmádena since 1995 and co-founded the association in 2011.
The association organises an annual St David’s Day celebration in Benalmádena, alongside other events that have raised funds for charities in Spain and Wales. John has said the work depends on volunteers, supporters and her family, and has highlighted how fundraising brings Spanish and international communities together.
The awards ceremony is due to take place at the Casa de Cultura in Arroyo de la Miel on Sunday. Other recipients include the Afesol mental health association, Hotel Alay owner Olga Hyrchenko, and Local Police officers Eduardo Márquez Guerrero and Francisco Balbuena Palomo.