An inspiring 10-year-old boy has been nominated for a national award following his fundraising efforts over the past year.

Ryley Reed, from Llangors, has been nominated for ‘The Young Achiever for Inspiration and Impact Award’ at The Childs Brain Injury Trust’s Diamond Awards Ceremony.

The award is to celebrate an inspirational young person who has been impacted by an acquired brain injury in the past or is currently being impacted.

Ryley suffered a stroke aged 9 in January 2021, causing right-side weakness and speech difficulties.

Having left hospital Ryley was told to exercise as much as possible. He then decided he wanted to do something that would help other children in the community.

After having long conversations with his mum he decided he would do a ‘Virtual Mount Everest Challenge’ to raise funds to build a play area in the village.

Ryley set his sights on the 40-mile challenge by completing walks and distance-based exercieses over the coming months. As well as drumming up funds for the play-park equipment, Ryley also used the opportunity to raise awareness of childhood stroke.

Completing the miles between hospital scans and tests, Ryley showed incredible perseverance and dedication to complete the distance in December last year.

Ryley, who ended up exceeding the total milage, has currently fundraised over £7,000 for the play-park.

Ryley’s mum Kate said: “Ryley was very happy and excited to hear he had been nominated and shortlisted for the award - he didn’t expect it, so it was a big surprise! 

“January 17 2022 marked 12 months since Ryley had his initial stroke, so the award shortlisting was a welcomed boost this week.

“As a family we are incredibly proud of what Ryley has achieved. He has certainly shown true grit and determination in the face of adversity and looking back at what has been achieved as a result is amazing.”

The community of Llangors has rallied around the family since Ryley’s stroke and played a bit part in the family’s fundraising efforts.

Coffee mornings, bingo nights and a Christmas market are just some of the events that have been held in and around the village since last autumn, which highlights the generosity and togetherness of the village community.

Kate said: “It really does ‘take a village’ and this challenge would not have been as successful if it wasn’t for the support he’s been given, from everyone in our community and from those that have seen, shared and donated online too.

“It’s really brought the community together and seems to have given people a bit of a focus during what has been an exceptionally challenging time for everyone over the last two years. We really are exceptionally grateful for the support we’ve received.

“Ryley has raised over £7000 which is absolutely incredible, - this is combined cash and JustGiving totals.

“All of the cash raised so far has already been given to Llangors play-park group so they can make use of funds immediately. Ryley is keen to continue fundraising for the play-park, so if anyone has any ideas we are open to suggestions.”

Ryley is one of seven nominees in his category for the Young Achiever award.

The ceremony evening will takes place on March 4 2022, in celebration of the 30th anniversary year of the Child Brain Injury Trust.