Special Inspiration award for brave youngster Iuestyn
HE may only be five but little Iuestyn Bassett has had more to cope with than most people do in a lifetime.
Having been diagnosed with leukaemia in July 2015, the Bridgend schoolboy has been forced to spend long periods of time in hospital undergoing chemotherapy.
But his smile, positivity and determination have always shone through, which has resulted in him being presented with a Special Inspiration award.
And when he took to the stage to receive the trophy at the Wales and West Housing annual Making a Difference awards in Cardiff, the emotional crowd gave him a standing ovation.
The side effects of his ongoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia have left him weak and in pain and have affected his immune system, so any simple infection can be life-threatening.
But Iuestyn, who lives with his nan Toni John in one of Wales and West’s houses in Brackla, Bridgend, beamed when he received a huge round of applause at the awards, sponsored by Day’s Rental, at the Swalec Stadium.
Gemma Garbett-Davies, Iuestyn’s teacher at Ysgol Bro Ogwr, was also a finalist in the Local Hero category, sponsored by Solar Windows.
She was nominated by Toni for the way she went beyond her teaching role to support the family during the little boy’s illness.
While Iuestyn was in hospital she organised deliveries of homemade meals, get well cards, activity packs, Secret Santa presents for him and his sister and collected money to help with travelling costs to hospital.
She also set up a Facebook campaign, Yes for Iuestyn, to share news of his progress and raise awareness of his illness.
Toni said: “We are so proud of Iuestyn. He goes through all his treatment and nothing phases him. Now he has won a MAD Award, he thinks he is famous.
“I’m also pleased that Gemma was recognised. Our family is so thankful to her. Without her help, we could not have coped.”
Another Local Hero finalist was Nicola Smith, whose mum owns Bryn Stores, in Blaengarw.
She was nominated by elderly residents at the WWH’s Danymynydd retirement scheme. Many of the residents are unable to walk to the shops, so Nicola makes daily deliveries to their homes and even drives them to the shop to do their own shopping.
Another Bridgend resident in the final was young mum Joanne Edwards of Brackla, in the Good Neighbour category. She was nominated by her housebound elderly neighbour Hilary Baden for the way she helps her with shopping, errands and cooking.
Anne Hinchey, chief executive of Wales and West Housing, said: “The MAD Awards are our way of recognising the strength and community spirit of our residents.
“Each year I am inspired and moved by the stories of kindness and selflessness. It’s humbling to know we have people living in our communities who make a real difference to the lives of those around them.”