Young carer from Wrexham wins prestigious award for exceptional community impact and dedication

A young carer from Wrexham has won a prestigious award for his dedication and exceptional community impact.

Alfie Richards, 16, is a carer for his mum and is extremely committed to providing the support she needs. He has also been involved with raising more than £2,000 in aid of a cancer charity.

Last night he was presented with the Dell Technologies Community Impact Award at The Prince’s Trust Awards at a ceremony in Cardiff.

The Prince’s Trust and TK Maxx & Homesense Awards recognise the achievements of young people in Wales who have succeeded against the odds, improved their chances in life, and had a positive impact on their local community, as well as those who have played a part in supporting the work of The Trust.

Alfie, 16, from Wrexham is a young carer for his mother and is extremely dedicated to providing the support she needs.

“I do anything I can to help my mum. It is tough some days, but I have learned so much from having this role in my house, and it has shown me the importance of projects that support others in the community.”

As with any young carer, it was difficult for Alfie to have the same kind of social life as his friends, and this impacted his school life as well.

When he first joined Ysgol Bryn Alyn in Gwersyllt he struggled with his literacy and numeracy. But at the end of Year 9, he was told about The Prince’s Trust Achieve programme – a personal development programme for 11 to 19-year-olds which offers a practical approach to learning and supports young people to fulfil their potential.

While taking part in the programme, Alfie approached the headteacher and his achieve adviser to ask about organising a ‘Brave the Shave’ event for Macmillan Cancer Support.

A number of his friends and family members had been affected by cancer, and he wanted to give something back to his local community and make a difference. 30 of his peers signed up to take part and four local hairdressers gave their time to the event.

In total Alfie and his team managed to raise a staggering £2115.

He added: “I was one of the shy kids in my classroom, so when one of my teachers recommended taking part in my school’s Achieve programme, I decided to give it a go.

“To raise over £2000 was just incredible. I would never have had the confidence to organise this event or even produce the advertising materials before I joined the Achieve programme.”

Alfie achieved a Level 2 certificate in Personal Development and Employability Skills through his time on the Achieve programme and is now embarking on a new journey at college, having secured a place to study construction.

He is also keen to return to Ysgol Bryn Alyn this year to support new pupils on the Achieve programme, who have carried on his efforts this year by organising a Macmillan Coffee Morning.

“I can’t wait to share my story and show students that they can always do more than they may think possible,” he added.