The
article and photo are from the Holyhead and Anglesey Mail, 3rd November
20010 (link to newspaper article)
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A brave teenager, diagnosed with a brain
tumour when only six months old, has come through the ordeal of numerous
major operations to become one of Anglesey’s most energetic youth
and community volunteers.
Richard Hughes, now aged 19, of Newborough, had to endure major facial
reconstruction surgery over many years following the removal of the
tumour.
But this didn’t prevent him getting involved in his local community.
He’s now become a dedicated volunteer at his youth club and community
centre, organising countless local activities, supporting other local
young people with disabilities.
Richard joined his local youth centre, Clwb Ni, an integrated youth
club in Llangefni, to gain qualifications and meet other young people
following a particularly difficult surgery.
He said: "At the end of my first year of secondary school, doctors
decided that I needed an implant to help reconstruct my face.
"As a result I spent more time at the hospital than in the classroom.
I had home tutoring and was asked if I wanted to try and get a youth
achievement award. I immediately said yes."
While working towards his award, Richard also joined a local committee
to successfully transform a rundown Sunday school into the Eglwys Bach
community hall.
He said: "Trying to get my achievement award and working with the
Eglwys Bach committee gave me something to focus on during a time when
I was feeling down.
"I didn’t want to be sat at home waiting for things to happen
so I decided to volunteer because I could meet other young people and
get out of the house."
Three years later and he has achieved a Silver Award for his involvement
in organising activities for the Youth Club. including pool tournaments,
bingo nights, Halloween and Christmas parties, as well as weekend events.
Richard said: "My best challenge so far has been arranging a trip
to Cardiff for a tour of the Millennium Stadium which was a big hit
with everyone who went. It’s an experience that I’ll never
forget."
Sharon Lyn, an accreditation worker for Anglesey Youth Service,, first
introduced Richard to Youth Work.
She said: "Richard is an amazing young person and a true role model
for other young people in the area."
"His dedication to volunteering and community service is unparalleled
and as a result he’s become a major volunteer in the youth service.
"He’s exceeded his required 200 hours of volunteer work and
has become a well known member of the community. But he shows no sign
of stopping and plans to continue with his qualifications."
Richard said: "My next goal is to do my platinum award which focuses
on taking a leadership position in the community. I’m working
in Club Ni as a volunteer for part of my award and also working as a
volunteer in the Newborough Youth Club."
He is one of nearly 20,000 youth workers across Wales running a huge
range of voluntary and council-backed youth activities. and support
services that benefit nearly 300,000 young people across Wales. All
of this work is being celebrated during Youth Work Week (November 1-7)
when special events are being held across the country. to encourage
even more youngsters to get involved in activities in their localities.
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with
thanks to "Holyhead & Anglesey Mail"
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