Newborough teenager is an inspiration after tumour battle

Nov 3 2010

Richard Hughes

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.