A Welsh rugby fan from Harlech has won a competition to have her story on a seat at the nation’s home of rugby, Principality Stadium.

Donna Everitt, 34, was awarded the prize after sharing her heartfelt memory of the day she took her grandma, Betty May Evans, to watch Wales play in the stadium for the first time.

As partners of the stadium, Principality building society launched the competition to find Welsh rugby fans’ best memories and unique stories from over two decades of games. Over 500 people across Wales entered, and Donna is one of 12 whose story will be attached to a seat at Principality Stadium, ensuring these stories live on when the doors are opened once again.

Five years on from the day, Donna shared with Principality how she and her grandma, at the age of 87, finally came to Cardiff together for the first time at the Principality Stadium.

Donna said: “Nain is the quintessential Welsh grandmother. She’s full of fun and absolutely loves Welsh sport, particularly rugby and football.

“It was such a special day. Nain loved the whole experience, from walking to the stadium as part of the crowd to taking pictures with mounted police. And when we got to our seats in the stands, Nain’s face was a picture of excitement. It might have taken her 87 years to get there but she enjoyed every second of it.

“We’re hoping to visit again, once restrictions are lifted, to celebrate Nain’s 90th birthday.”

All the winners have been invited to watch a match when stadia welcome fans back.

A panel of judges – including Wales’ top try-scorer Shane Williams – were responsible for choosing the winners.

Shane said: “There were hundreds of amazing entries for the competition and it was a big challenge trying to pick winners, but Donna’s and the other 11 winning stories really stood out to me. It’s clear the Principality Stadium is home to so many special memories for people across Wales.

“We’re grateful to everyone that shared their stories and now the winners will always be part of Principality Stadium history.”

Julie-Ann Haines, chief executive of Principality said: “With fans not being able to fill seats this past year, we wanted to celebrate stories of Welsh supporters who have sat in those seats over the years. It’s a place which holds special memories for so many, including Donna, a home from home for rugby fans. Just like Donna and Betty, we’re hoping to be with one another again soon. Their story is a wonderful reminder of how the stadium brings people together.”