Activities galore for National Careers Week

We can wholeheartedly say that this week’s National Careers Week was our most successful and action-packed yet.

Despite the disruption from snow towards the end of the week, all of our pathways went above and beyond to create inspiring events, workshops and talks to help students to think about their future careers.

The College’s Industry champions from all four pathways shared knowledge and answered questions about their work. These included a visit from hotel manager Sarah Crowther from Premier Inn, who has supported many of our Hospitality and Food students to gain the skills necessary to go on to gain employment at the hotel. Llanfyllin Spar owner and manager Mark Prust also joined us over Teams with two students who have work placements at the store.

Talks from our graduates

Former students Sam Innes, Mary Tait, William Chapple and Amy Jude joined us on Teams to talk about their careers after Derwen. It was wonderful to hear that Sam is enjoying work at the prestigious Waldorf Hotel, Mary is on a supported internship, which has included work at Waitrose, Amy has landed an acting role (and been named AoC Adult Student of the Year). William is a Food and Beverage Assistant at Brudenell Hotel in Aldeburgh.

Four of our supported interns explained how they were further honing their work skills to prepare for employment after College. Retail interns Molly Fairbanks and Joe Osborne talked about their external work placements at Co-op and Severn Trent Water. Performing Arts intern Anna Redding explained about her work as a runner with Rocking Horse Media and at dance school Identity School of Dance. Maisy Cadwallader’s busy timetable includes work placements at Cambrian Coffee and Cakes, Ashwood Care and Hummingbird Café.

We were also lucky to enjoy Performing Arts workshops from Rocking Horse Media, a Horticulture activity with former student and current volunteer Matthew Beni, and a wonderful video interview with actor Annette Badland.

There was something for everyone, and we hope we’ve helped and inspired students to continue working towards their career aspirations!

PUBLIC NOTICE UNDER SECTION 121(2) OF THE CHARITIES ACT 2011

PUBLIC NOTICE UNDER SECTION 121(2) OF THE CHARITIES ACT 2011

The Trustees of Derwen College (registered charity number 1153280) hereby give notice that they propose to dispose of the property known as:

No 2 Walnut Croft, Whittington Road, Gobowen

by way of sale of the freehold. The property to be disposed property/land is held on designated charitable trusts.

Any member of the public wishing to make representations on the proposed disposal is invited do so by 21 March 2023.  Representations must be made to Carol Thompson, Clerk to the Trustees

By post to: Derwen College, Whittington Road, Gobowen, SY11 3JA

By email to: carol.thompson@derwen.ac.uk

 

For the Trustees

Meryl Green

Principal & CEO

21 February 2023

 

 

Brave Brendan gets on his bike for college charity

A brave student, who has never climbed on a spin bike before, is taking part in our mammoth Spinathon event to raise money for Derwen Charity.

Brendan Langan-Hart, who has scoliosis of the spine and associated physical difficulties, is determined to join our 24-hour Spin Along Spinathon from 24-25 March 2023.

The 21-year-old residential student has resolved to take part, despite having never taken to the saddle before.

Brendan, who is a Hospitality and Food student, tried out his first ever spin practise session in preparation for the challenge. He hopes he can complete a full hour on the bike, to support sports coordinators Sian Thomas and Steve Evans who will be pedalling for a gruelling 24 hours.

This is the second year that Sian and Steve have taken on the 24-hour Spinathon challenge for Derwen Charity. Last year’s event raised over £8,000. With more support and sponsors for 2023, the team are hoping to smash the target this year.

The event takes place from 10am to 10am in the College’s Reception area, with students, staff and supporters joining the challenge along the way.

Each person taking part will be embarking on their own personal challenge; some will be aiming to spin for an hour, others have committed to far longer sessions on the bike. Their aim is to raise funds and lend some moral support to Sian and Steve. Money raised from the challenge will go towards new accessible sports changing room facilities which will benefit students and the community.

Other impressive participants include student Harry West – who is also embarking on his first half marathon this year – will be spinning for a phenomenal 8 hours spread across the 24 hours. Members of the College’s Student Union Board will also be joining in for an hour.

The Spinathon has received sponsorship from

• Active8 Gym, Oswestry
• Bridge Coffee, Oswestry
• Coach House Fitness, Oswestry
• Oswestry School
• Planet Doors, Telford
• Shropshire Design & Print, Oswestry

Brendan, from Bedfordshire, wanted to get involved despite finding exercise such as cycling very difficult.

Brendan said: “I wanted to do this to raise money for the college. I’m in my second year and I love it here. I wanted to set a good example and give it a go. I’ve managed half an hour in a practise session, it hurt but it was fun. I’m going to try my best to complete an hour. I’m not afraid of a challenge. College has taught me that we can all challenge ourselves and be independent.”

Sian Thomas said: “The support we receive from students and their families is what keeps us going through the day and night. Each student who signs up is taking on their own personal challenge. It’s brilliant to see Brendan step out of his comfort zone to take part. Today was his first day on a spin bike, and he was really nervous about getting on and off the bike safely, but with support from physio and friends, he’s done an amazing job.

“An hour will be a real challenge for him, but I’m confident he can do it!”

 

Find out more about the Spinathon and sponsor our amazing team on our charity page. 

https://dev-derwen.two05.theweborchard.com/charity/events/spinathon/

George celebrates at Refresh Cafe birthday 

We were very proud that Hospitality student George Weston was part of the staff team celebrating Shrewsbury’s Refresh Café’s second anniversary today.

George enjoys a weekly work placement at Severn Hospice café, Refresh, near Shrewsbury. He was proud to be one of the team who make the Bicton Heath café such a success.

George, who has Down’s Syndrome, is a Hospitality and Food student. As part of his weekly timetable he enjoys a placement at Refresh every Wednesday. He is a valued staff member, working at the cafe, with job coach Gail Beasley. He is gaining skills that will help him to get a job when he leaves college this year.

George washes up, keeps the cafe clean, takes orders, and uses the till. His favourite thing is talking to customers.

Manager Jane Steventon said: “We had to have George and Gail here for our birthday celebrations today. They are an important part of our fabulous team! We love having George here, and customers love him too. He works hard and is a real asset to the cafe. We will all miss him when he finishes college this year.”

‘Jane and everyone are incredible!’

George, who arrived at work in his best suit for the occasion, said: “I like working here, washing up, taking orders and talking to customers. Jane and everyone are incredible, amazing! They help me if I need it. I love it here.”

George, who is 22 years old, would like to work in a café when he finishes College. He also enjoys working at Derwen College’s on-site Hotel 751, Walled Garden Café, Tip Top Takeaway service and the Food Centre, and has a weekly work placement at Premier Inn.

Derwen College Work Experience and Supported Internships Coordinator Abi Baker said:

“We are incredibly grateful to Refresh for offering George this wonderful opportunity and thankful that we were able to develop this partnership.

“Regular work placements are vital learning for our students, offering the next step towards employment after college.

“Thank you to Severn Hospice and to all our brilliant local and national partner businesses who recognise the value of offering placements to young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).”

If you are a business who could offer a weekly work placement related to Hospitality, Retail, Business, Horticulture or Performing Arts to a young person with SEND, please email Abi Baker.

Fearless Tia’s skydive for Derwen Charity

Daring Derwen learning support assistant Tia Hughes is embarking on her first ever skydive to raise funds for Derwen Charity.

Tia, who works in Derwen Retail pathway, is taking on a 10,000-foot skydive to raise money to support students and clients with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Tia will be jumping out of an aeroplane for Derwen Charity which provides opportunities, facilities and equipment to students and our long-term clients to experience a more independent future.

Tia’s fantastic feat will take place on Saturday, 8 April, from Tilstock, near Whitchurch. It is the 22-year-old dare-devil’s first ever skydive, and she’s excited and apprehensive about making the big leap.

“I’ve always thought about doing a skydive and it made sense to do it for Derwen Charity. I’ve worked at Derwen College for over a year, and have seen first-hand how the college can change lives. I wanted to do something to be part of that,” she says.

“Our amazing students are constantly being challenged to reach goals and aspirations and push themselves out of their comfort zones. It’s important that staff lead by example and also go above and beyond to push themselves to be the best that they can be, too.”

So far, Tia has raised £400 with help from supportive friends and family. Her mum, hairdresser Lisa Hughes, has been asking colleagues and customers at Chirk’s Guys & Molls hairdressers to support, and has a donation box and charity raffle at the Church Street salon.

You can sponsor Tia’s skydive and raise funds for Derwen Charity at her dedicated JustGiving page

Derwen Charity has helped shape the College according to our students’ needs over the past 90 years. Thanks to fundraising, the College has been able to grow and adapt to become a leader among SEND colleges. Other charity events coming up include the Spinalong Spinathon and Derwen Fete Weekend.

How Teddy our therapy dog supports students at Derwen College

The idea of a therapy dog was one that had been discussed many times over a number of years.

Paul Bradshaw, Head of Safeguarding, and his colleagues recognised the benefits of a therapy dog in an educational setting to improve the health and well-being for both students and staff.

For most people, simply being near a dog is proven to have an immediate calming effect. Petting dogs is known to reduce stress, anxiety and depression.

Therapy dogs are trained to react and respond positively to people and their surroundings, while being guided and directed by their handler. To help our students relax, we encourage them to walk Teddy, Derwen College’s therapy dog, around campus, or to take time to sit and pet him.

Teddy is a flat coated retriever who joined the Derwen College family back in 2019 when he was just 18 months old. He lives with his handler, Paul Bradshaw. Paul had initially registered with various schemes and was on the waiting list for a trainee guide dog who hadn’t quite made the full guide dog grade. After a year or so of waiting Paul began to look at other options. After careful consideration and lots of conversations with other colleges and schools who had trained their own dogs, he decided this could be a the best option.

The College were lucky to have the support of a local dog expert who had recently retired from his career training guide dogs. He offered the College lots of support around picking the right dog and setting ground rules – or a training structure ‑ to follow throughout the first year. This embedded Teddy’s role in the ‘pack’ and ensured a positive response to a range of commands. The trainer visited the College regularly to help find solutions for any problems that arose.

A crucial part of Teddy’s training was to learn to socialise with our students.

It is immensely rewarding to see just how calm and friendly he is in all situations, providing comfort and support to our students. One of our students Skye, says ‘He always helps you when you’re feeling upset’.

There are many advantages to having Teddy at Derwen College. Paul says the benefits ‘are too numerous to list’ but includes motivating and calming students, and helping improve attendance. For students who are anxious or do not want to go to work, Teddy will walk there with them. This improves both student attendance and motivation for learning.

Teddy has shown a remarkable talent for helping students work through issues they may have. Some of our students will chat to Teddy and confide in him. This can help them process their thoughts and many will find solutions to problems or issues this way without need for further intervention.

As Adele Hinton, Student Services Coordinator, says, “you can tell him everything and he just doesn’t have an opinion”.

Paul has observed how Teddy has a calming effect on everyone around the College, students and staff included.

He says ‘it’s hard to be cross or grumpy for very long with Teddy around as he usually makes people smile’. Skye says ‘He puts smiles on our faces’

Another key role for Teddy is regular visits to the Nurture Centre and the attending students with PMLD (profound and multiple learning disabilities). The staff work with the students to develop their anticipation skills and Teddy supports this with his regular visits. The students are able to interact with Teddy in a safe way reinforcing anticipation and memory of a positive experience.

Some of the PMLD students have also been able to further their functional hand development by walking Teddy on the lead and staff have recorded improvements as a result of this practice. Beverley Simmonds, Nurture Programme Lead says ‘some students recognise Teddy’s non-verbal communication and can work on their empathy skills with him in a completely different way to how they interact with us!’ It has been clear to see the positive impact Teddy has had around the College and the students. Since he arrived, he has helped many students in many ways, and has truly earned the title of ‘Therapy Dog’.

Skye, one of our students, says ‘Teddy is the best dog we could ever wish for!’.

We agree!

Derwen charity shop wins national award

Derwen College charity shop, The Vintage Advantage, is celebrating winning a top national award at the Charity Retail Awards – the ‘Oscars’ of the charity shop world.

The Vintage Advantage charity shop, based at Derwen College’s main campus in Gobowen, won the Innovation Award at an awards ceremony at the Crowne Plaza in Birmingham. The college charity shop team were honoured to be shortlisted alongside high profile national charities such as Oxfam, Scope, British Heart Foundation, Shelter and Barnardos.

The Vintage Advantage charity shop is Derwen Charity’s first charity shop, and is part of the College’s ‘Marketplace’ which also welcomes visitors to a garden centre and gift shop, café, restaurant, and hotel. Students learn real work-skills in a safe and supported environment, learning skills that have enabled many to progress to paid work, further training or meaningful voluntary work.

The charity shop was opened in 2021 during the Covid pandemic, with the main aim of providing work experience for retail students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).  Since then, the shop has gone from strength to strength, smashing sales targets, being part of the community and providing valuable work placements for students and clients (the College’s long-term residents who have SEND).

Students love working in the Vintage Advantage

Though the main aim was work opportunities, it was imperative that the shop was a viable business creating funds for the College charity. Students learn to sort, clean, price up and display fashion, accessories, books, bric-a-brac and homeware, and train to use tills and in customer service. Students love working in the Vintage Advantage; and – with the help of high quality donations from the public – from day one, the shop has been a success.

The team regularly rotate stock, ensuring seasonal and themed window and in-store displays. From Christmas, to Easter, Valentine’s or Mother’s Day, there is always a new reason to visit the charity shop.

Derwen College Commercial Supervisor Sharon Jones, attended the ceremony with fundraising Coordinator Anna Evans.

Sharon Jones said, “We were so happy to be invited but knew we faced some very stiff competition in our category from some amazing charities. To be announced the winner was a dream come true and a huge compliment for us to be recognised by the Charity Retail Association.

“We are so proud of The Vintage Advantage, it’s a phenomenal place that always has a happy, welcoming atmosphere, fantastic stock and the best customer service provided by our hard-working students, volunteers and staff. Then, there’s the added bonus that it raises much needed funds for Derwen Charity; it’s a real success story.”

 

Thank you for Duke of Edinburgh’s Award donations

Derwen College is extremely grateful to two Shropshire organisations who have made donations towards students’ Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards expeditions.

Oswestry Lions Club have donated £600 and Fitz Alan Lodge freemasons donated £615 to support students with special educational needs to complete Gold Awards this year. The funds will help cover  expedition expenses for students, who will spend three nights and four days walking in Snowdonia.

Student Helen Thompson was among students who thanked the Lions and Fitz Alan Lodge for their generous contributions. Helen is a Hospitality and Food students who is progressing towards her Gold award.

Helen is also a talented swimmer who has represented Team GB as part of the Down Syndrome Swimming squad. She trains regularly at Derwen and with Oswestry Otters Swimming Club, and has been around the world with the GB squad.

Derwen College is very proud of its exceptional Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards provision. So far, we have celebrated students achieving 124 Bronze Awards, 103 Silver Awards and 38 Gold Awards.

Recently we opened a dedicated DofE Outdoor Centre where student can practice outdoor skills safely before embarking on expeditions. The area includes a canoe simulator, varied types of terrain for students to tackle, and many different stiles and gates to get to grips with.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards coordinator Steve Evans said: “Throughout College and DofE, inclusivity is vital. We want all of our students, regardless of abilities or disabilities, to relish the experience.”

“The DofE programme challenges our students, giving them opportunities to develop skills for life and work and promoting independence.”

“We are very grateful to supporters such as Fitz Alan Lodge and Oswestry Lions who help make this happen.”

Derwen author meets familiar faces

This week, we were honoured to welcome back a former student and client who has gone on to become a speaker and ambassador for people with learning disabilities, as well as the author of a fascinating autobiography.

Richard Keagan-Bull, who now lives in London, spent 17 years as a student and client with us. He has written and published his life story, an emotional, inspirational, and often amusing journey from birth to present day.

Inspirational author, Richard, came to Shropshire on 17 January to talk to students, clients and staff about his book, including his time at Derwen College. He visited Oswestry book shop Booka to sign some of his books, enjoyed lunch at our The Orangery Restaurant, and took a tour of Derwen College, before delivering an interesting presentation and question and answer session.

He met up with many familiar faces, including members of staff and clients who remembered him, and signed copies of his book for people to buy.

Richard Keagan-Bull has written his autobiography ‘Don’t Put Us Away’ with the help of long-term friend, personal secretary and travel companion Hazel Bradley, who accompanied him on the day.

Written in his own words, Richard’s story starts when he was born in 1971, with the heart-breaking words that his mother was told by a geneticist about him and his brother: “Put them away. They’ll never do anything.”

The book follows his life path through school, before moving to Shropshire to become a residential student, then a client, at Derwen College, then returning to London and becoming part of L’Arche, an organisation which provides communities for people with learning difficulties.

Since leaving Derwen College and returning to London in 2006, Richard’s life took an entirely different direction. He found he had a talent for speaking up about what he believed in, and has become a speaker and ambassador for people with learning disabilities. He has his own flat, a job as a research assistant at Kingston University, London and has travelled the world; visiting, among other place, Austria, India, Italy, America, Jamaica, Canada, Ghana and Colombia.

Top 100 most influential disabled people

Richard has been named one of the top 100 most influential disabled people in the United Kingdom. He is proud to have unequivocally proved those early medical professionals wrong.

Derwen College Principal and CEO Meryl Green said:

“A huge amount has changed at Derwen College since Richard was a student here, but our mission to empower students to live the lives they choose, remains the same. Richard is a wonderful ambassador for people with special educational needs and disabilities. It was lovely to welcome him back to share memories of his remarkable life.”

Richard’s book, Don’t Put Us Away, is available to buy at Derwen College Garden Centre and Gift Shop (at a reduced price of £16.99 RRP £18.99) and at Booka Bookshop, in Oswestry, and through Amazon.

Crispin the clown fish makes a splash at Derwen College  

A fishy visitor arrived at college before Christmas to raise awareness of plastics entering our environment, especially our oceans.

‘Crispin’ the Clown Fish was delivered from Oswestry’s British Ironwork Centre by chairman and founder Clive Knowles to be greeted by members of the College’s Student Union Board.

The aim is to fill Crispin up with empty crisp packets to be made into survival blankets for people experiencing homelessness.

The fish, which holds around 10,000 crisp packets, will be at the college until the end of January. The packets will then be made into waterproof blankets. Members of the British Ironworks Centre team will be visiting College again to show students at the specialist further education college how to make the survival blankets.

Derwen College is a further education college for young adults with a variety of special educational needs and disabilities.

British Ironworks founder, Clive Knowles, dropped Crispin the fish off at College where he was welcomed by Student Union Board members Varvara Barbieri and Justin Harley, as well as Personal Development  and Wellbeing Coordinator Tabetha Crinson and Personal Development and Wellbeing Manager Helen Owen.

Clive Knowles said: “We’re keen to raise awareness of plastic in the environment, and the importance of reusing and recycling. We want to show students how to make their own recycled blankets from crisp packets. The blankets help to keep people who have become homeless dry, ensuring that sleeping bags and bedding don’t become damp and cold. The blankets will be used in this country and some will be sent to Ukraine.”

10,000 crisp packets per fish!

The Ironworks currently have eight fish at various schools and colleges in the region, each of which can hold up to 10,000 crisp packets.

Helen Owen, Derwen College Independence and Personal Development Manager, thanked the Ironworks for their support, and students and families for their commitment to collect packets.

She said: “Earlier in the year, we collected plastic bottle tops for Philup the Giraffe. The initiative was so successful, we filled him with bottle tops in a matter of days. We think this challenge will take longer, but we’ve got until the end of January, so we’ll collect enough crisp packets to fill him up.

“We’re encouraging everyone to recycle their crisp packets, whilst also offering a gentle reminder of the importance of a balanced diet!” We hope that while enjoying their festive snacks, people will consider the serious that packets often end up in landfill or the ocean.”

New chapter for former student turned author

We are delighted to be welcoming back a former student who is a speaker and ambassador for people with learning difficulties, as well as a published author.

Richard Keagan-Bull, who now lives in London, spent 17 years as a student and client at Derwen. He has written his life story, an emotional, inspirational, and often amusing journey from birth to present day.

Richard has turned author and written his autobiography ‘Don’t Put Us Away’ (published by Critical Publishing) with the help of long-term friend, personal secretary and travel companion Hazel Bradley.

Written in his own words, Richard’s story starts when he was born in 1971, with the heart-breaking words that his mother was told by a geneticist about him and his brother: “Put them away. They’ll never do anything.”

The book follows his life path through school, before moving to Shropshire to become a residential student, then a client, at Derwen College. He then returned to London to become part of L’Arche, an organisation which provides communities for people with learning difficulties.

Since leaving Derwen College and returning to London in 2006, Richard’s life took an entirely different direction. He found he had a talent for speaking up about what he believed in, and has become a speaker and ambassador for people with special educational needs and disabilities. He has his own flat, a job as a research assistant at Kingston University, in London, and has travelled the world; visiting, among other place, Austria, India, Italy, America, Jamaica, Canada, Ghana and Colombia.

He has been named one of the top 100 most influential disabled people in the United Kingdom. He is proud to have unequivocally proved those early medical professionals wrong.

‘Don’t Put Us Away’

‘Don’t Put Us Away’ chronicles Richard’s life in a very personal way. There is humour, strength, trauma and even anger; all expressed with refreshing honesty in what is, importantly, his own voice.

During his time at Derwen College, near Oswestry, he was a student, then a trainee working in the kitchen and coffee shop. He spent 17 years at Derwen, meeting his first girlfriend (and second and third), becoming engaged and learning skills for life. He tells it like it is, the highs and lows, including an amusing and descriptive anecdote of losing his temper and pouring a commercial sized tin of peaches in syrup over a fellow trainee’s head!

In the book, he says: “I’m always very proud to say I went to the Derwen College in Shropshire, I did. I spent 17 very happy years there, I did, and made many good friends. I learnt about life there, about being independent, being always on time for work, what the world is like, to always dress smart and all that.”

He says: “I want people to say about my life, he used to make us laugh, he did. Sometimes he could be a bit annoying, a bit of a nuisance, but most of the time he had a good sense of humour, he did, and he could light a room up. My gift is that I can stand up for people with learning disabilities who are less able than me and say how it is.”

Richard is visiting Derwen on 17 January

Richard will be visiting us on 17 January to talk about his life and work. He will be joined by Hazel and a representative from L’Arche.

Derwen College Principal and CEO Meryl Green says:

“A huge amount has changed at Derwen College since Richard was a student here, but our mission to empower students to live the lives they choose, remains the same. Richard is a wonderful ambassador for people with special educational needs and disabilities. And we look forward to welcoming him back to College to hear more about his remarkable life.”

You can hear more from Richard and Hazel, on how Don’t Put Us Away came about in a video on YouTube.

Richard’s book, Don’t Put Us Away, is available to buy at Derwen College Garden Centre and Gift Shop, Booka Bookshop, in Oswestry, and through Amazon. It is published by Critical Publishing, priced £18.99.

Anyone interested in visiting to Derwen College to hear from Richard on 17 January at 4pm, should email eluned.watson@derwen.ac.uk for details.

Tribute to Anthony Hughes – a leading light in sport and inclusion

Staff and former students are among the many people paying tribute to pioneering Paralympic coach Anthony Hughes MBE who died suddenly on 30 December.

Anthony Hughes, a student, then teacher at Derwen, was an athlete, coach and champion for disability sport.

He went on to become National Performance Manager at Disability Sport Wales, and a leading force in Paralympic sport.

As a keen athlete himself, Anthony – who had muscular dystrophy – competed internationally in both shot put and javelin, including at the 1992 Paralympics in Barcelona.

Anthony was named Sport Wales Coach of the Year in 2011, inducted into the UK Coaching Hall of Fame in 2012 and was awarded an MBE for services to sport in 2013.

Anthony, a trained tailor, was a hugely respected and valued member of the Derwen College community.  His achievements were always followed by those who knew him, and we are incredibly proud to have worked alongside such an inspirational and influential part of Welsh and World para sport. Our thoughts are with Anthony’s family and friends at this difficult time.

An unstoppable force

Anthony’s ex-wife Karen, a former hairdresser at the College, has recently returned to working in the College’s The Vintage Advantage charity shop.

She says: “A large part of our lives together were spent at Derwen College. We worked there and lived in one of the bungalows and had many friends there.

“It’s been comforting to hear from many Derwen College staff and former students who remember him so fondly. His loss will be felt across the UK and national world of sport.”

Memories from Derwen staff

Derwen College Learning Support Assistant Lin Hughes said:

“It was very sad news to hear about Anthony. I worked with him in the former Fabrics department. He was a great man to work for and with. I was a very new teacher at the time and his guidance was invaluable to me in my early years at Derwen.

“He never let his own disability get in the way. Anthony always put the students first, encouraging them to aim for their dreams, and participate fully in whatever was offered, especially with sports. He gave a lot of his spare time to training not only students but to other Paralympic athletes. He will be missed.”

Derwen College Head of Quality, Dawn Roberts, remembers Anthony well, from when they worked in Textiles together. When he left College, she says she delighted in receiving messages from him, following his adventures from around the world.

She said: “Anthony trained as a tailor and went on to run the Fabrics department at Derwen College, training students to go on to get jobs at factories such as Laura Ashley.

“He inspired students, and everyone, to be the best version of themselves. He was a motivating head of department with a wonderful sense of humour. Anthony wasn’t fazed by anybody or anything, and was a true champion for inclusivity. He was an inspiration to us all.”

The funeral will be held in Cardiff and will be announced by his family once arrangements have been made. Leading figures from across the sporting world are expected to attend.