Teen hosts charity ball in best friend’s honour

A TEENAGE boy is organising a charity ball to raise funds for a cause which has helped his best friend.

Dylan Thomas, 14, has continually supported his friend Rhys Woodward, also 14, who was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at the age of six.

And as well as spending his time with Rhys, Dylan is also fundraising for Ty Hafan after seeing the work the charity has done for Rhys.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a condition which gradually causes the muscles to weaken.

Rhys, who lives in Ely, was tested for the condition as a baby, and was initially given the all clear.

But mum Marie became concerned about the size of his muscles as he grew older.

Marie said: “Suddenly it got to a point when he was in school and his teacher started to get concerned because he was struggling to put his jumper on.

“Following tests he was diagnosed with the condition and is now in a wheelchair full-time.”

But Rhys has had his good friend by his side throughout.

Dylan and Rhys became friends when Rhys first moved to the neighbourhood nearly 10 years ago.

Marie explained: “Dylan and Rhys are attached at the hip.

“When we first moved to the area, Dylan used to ask Rhys to come out and play all the time.

“He kept coming back until they eventually became friends, and they’ve been together ever since.”

Marie describes Dylan as being like a “third child” to her, especially as he’s done so much to help Rhys.

Speaking about his his charity fundraising, she said: “Dylan has seen all the work Ty Hafan does for Rhys and he just loves them.

“He’s now planning a charity ball and he’s been amazing.

“He’s organised everything on his own.

“Dylan is very bright and he’s a great friend to Rhys.”

Dylan is now working hard to plan the event. He said: “Rhys is my best friend. “After seeing all the amazing work Ty Hafan does for Rhys, and people like him, I wanted to do something to help.”

The charity ball is taking place at Glamorgan Wanderers RFC on Friday. Tickets cost £5.

More information can be found at www.facebook.com/charityball2k17