24 July 2012 Last updated at 16:05 ET

Aurora shooting: Welsh father's pride in daughter's bravery

President Barack Obama hugs Stephanie Davies while visiting shooting victim Allie Young in hospital

The Welsh father of a woman praised by President Obama for saving her friend's life in the Colorado cinema shootings has told of his pride in her.

Malcolm Davies spoke after President Obama congratulated Stephanie Davies, 21, for her actions in looking after her friend Allie Young, 19.

Mr Davies, originally from Ceredigion, said: "I am so proud and thankful that she wasn't hurt."

Twelve people died after the shooting at a screening of a Batman film.

A further 58 people were injured when a gunman opened fire at the cinema in Aurora, Colorado last week.

Suspect James Holmes, 24, has appeared in court accused of carrying out the attack.

Ms Davies saved her friend by pulling her to the ground and staying with her after she was shot in the neck.

She applied pressure to the wound until she could get her friend out of the theatre.

'Presence of mind'

The US President spoke after joining Ms Davies at Ms Young's hospital bedside, where he was pictured hugging her.

"Because of Stephanie's timely actions, I just had a conversation with Allie downstairs, and she is going to be fine," said Mr Obama.

"I don't know how many people at any age would have the presence of mind that Stephanie did or the courage that Allie showed."

Mr Davies, who moved to the US in 1989 from Cilcennin, described how proud he was of his daughter.

"I am amazed she managed to be so mindful of helping her friend," he said.

Meanwhile, Swansea City observed a minute's silence for those who died in the shooting before the first friendly game on their pre-season tour of America against Colorado Rapids on Wednesday.

The match took place at a stadium a little over 10 miles from Aurora.