Wales On Sunday

TOM CAN’T FOLLOW HIS DREAMS NOW, BUT WE WANT TO HELP OTHERS

- KATIE GUPWELL reporter katieann.gupwell@walesonlin­e.co.uk

T HE family of a 21-year-old man who died after he was electrocut­ed are raising funds to help other young people to achieve their dreams.

Western Power Distributi­on worker Tom Owen, who had played for Beddau Rugby Club, died following the incident in January while carrying out utility works in Cardiff.

Since his death, Tom’s family have received messages from rugby players and clubs from all over the world, and his mum Kim Owen has described how proud she is of her son following what has been “the darkest time” of their lives.

The family is now raising funds for Follow Your Dreams – a charity which inspires young people with learning disabiliti­es in England and Wales to follow their dreams.

“We chose Follow Your Dreams because we want to help others achieve their aspiration­s,” explained Kim.

“Tom is not able to follow his dreams now, but we want to help others achieve this.

“We also have a friend whose child has involvemen­t with the charity.

“We are now about £100 off our target.” Tom, from Efail Isaf, near Pontypridd, had played for Beddau Rugby Club since he was at junior school and had represente­d the club at all levels.

Kim said: “He played for Beddau since he was five and had represente­d the club at all levels.

“Rugby was his life and he had so many friends at the club.

“The support we have had from family and friends has been amazing, but the support we have received from the rugby club has been particular­ly overwhelmi­ng.

“We have received messages from clubs and players from all over the world.”

The proud mother explained that Tom had his life sorted after gaining his apprentice­ship – he also had plansl t to Grace.

“But he was really a bit of a homebird,” added Kim.

“He did all that was asked of him t travell withith hi his partner,t and dh he was a good dld lad.

“We are really proud of him, and we don’t know how we will go on without him, really.”

Tom’s funeral was held on Tues- d day, withith more th than 500 peoplel att tending.

To make a donation visit www. justgiving.com/fundraisin­g/KimOwen5

 ??  ?? Tom with his partner, Grace Tom Owen with mother Kim, sister Katie and father Martin
Tom with his partner, Grace Tom Owen with mother Kim, sister Katie and father Martin
 ??  ?? The scene of the incident in Cardiff where Tom was electrocut­ed
The scene of the incident in Cardiff where Tom was electrocut­ed
 ??  ?? Tom Owen en played for Beddau rugby team at all levels
Tom Owen en played for Beddau rugby team at all levels

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