Teen gives hope to nation’s younger generation

February 7, 2011

Teen gives hope to nation's younger generation

Date published: 07 February 2011

hope-to-nations-younger-generation

(photo of Rhys at link)

A Spotland teen has given hope to the nation's younger generation by battling

bullying, record youth unemployment and a painful limb disease to gain an

education and land work.

In fact, heroic Rhys Unwin, 17, was so tenacious in his job hunt that he braved

several inches of snow to go to his work placement – even though a debilitating

muscle weakness in his foot could have seen him sprain his ankle at any moment.

" I was born with a condition called CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease) and ended

up with a clawed foot " said Mr Unwin, " This means I have problems when walking

down steps and am always going over when it's icy. "

A genetic disorder which also affects his brothers, CMT can be extremely painful

and it has already resulted in Mr Unwin having an operation on his foot. About

to go under the knife again this month, it isn't the only barrier that has so

far stunted his progress.

Mr Unwin was the subject of bullying at school and although a transfer to St

Cuthbert's College on Shaw Road helped – " the staff gave me lots of support "

said Mr Unwin – he was low on confidence.

Now, following sheer determination, Mr Unwin has got a job in retail in one of

Rochdale's shopping centres.

" At first I was really nervous when it came to dealing with customers but I soon

got used to it " said Mr Unwin, " And, I managed to get through Christmas – which

was a very busy time. "

Mr Unwin is now hoping to move on to an apprenticeship course in retail.

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