Miss-Delectable
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Teen’s French trip is ‘a great experience’ - icWales
A TEENAGER who defied the odds to beat meningitis is to represent Wales at rugby.
Ashley Johnston was left deaf when he suffered from the illness as a baby.
But the 17-year-old trainee plumber’s dreams are set to come true this year as he takes to the pitch for the Welsh deaf rugby team in France.
“I’m shocked. I was not expecting this,” said Ashley, who plays for Penarth youth rugby team. “It will be a great experience.”
He has been given £200 by the Follow Your Dreams charity to help pay for his tour to France.
The charity held its annual roadshow in the Cardiff Bay Red Dragon Centre, where the Barry College student was presented with the cash.
He was surprised after being asked to attend the pirate-themed roadshow to show organisers a scrapbook of his past achievements.
Ashley, who has also excelled in athletics, has been playing sport since he was old enough to walk.
His mum Kate said: “He loves all sports and is a mad Cardiff City fan, but rugby is his favourite.
“He has had so much support from Penarth Rugby Club and it has changed him completely. He is so confident now.”
The former St Cyres School pupil, who has three brothers, said: “I play flanker. It’s a position I really enjoy and I like the number six shirt.
“My favourite rugby moment was parading the World Cup around the Millennium Stadium before the Wales-New Zealand game last year.
“I have met Ben Evans (Wales and Cardiff Blues prop) a few times too and he is brilliant.”
Martin Davis, who founded the Barry-based charity which helps children with disabilities, said: “We’re based in Barry and it is good to come home and reward someone from our community.
“We spend a lot of time taking the roadshow around the country and to reward Ashley for his efforts is brilliant for us.”
A TEENAGER who defied the odds to beat meningitis is to represent Wales at rugby.
Ashley Johnston was left deaf when he suffered from the illness as a baby.
But the 17-year-old trainee plumber’s dreams are set to come true this year as he takes to the pitch for the Welsh deaf rugby team in France.
“I’m shocked. I was not expecting this,” said Ashley, who plays for Penarth youth rugby team. “It will be a great experience.”
He has been given £200 by the Follow Your Dreams charity to help pay for his tour to France.
The charity held its annual roadshow in the Cardiff Bay Red Dragon Centre, where the Barry College student was presented with the cash.
He was surprised after being asked to attend the pirate-themed roadshow to show organisers a scrapbook of his past achievements.
Ashley, who has also excelled in athletics, has been playing sport since he was old enough to walk.
His mum Kate said: “He loves all sports and is a mad Cardiff City fan, but rugby is his favourite.
“He has had so much support from Penarth Rugby Club and it has changed him completely. He is so confident now.”
The former St Cyres School pupil, who has three brothers, said: “I play flanker. It’s a position I really enjoy and I like the number six shirt.
“My favourite rugby moment was parading the World Cup around the Millennium Stadium before the Wales-New Zealand game last year.
“I have met Ben Evans (Wales and Cardiff Blues prop) a few times too and he is brilliant.”
Martin Davis, who founded the Barry-based charity which helps children with disabilities, said: “We’re based in Barry and it is good to come home and reward someone from our community.
“We spend a lot of time taking the roadshow around the country and to reward Ashley for his efforts is brilliant for us.”