IT is just over a year since Tegwen Bruce-Deans received the news that she had been selected to be part of the ‘Urdd Ieuenctid’ group visiting the Welsh-speaking regions of Patagonia.

The teenager from Llandrindod Wells is the first young person from Radnorshire to take part in this annual trip organised by Urdd Gobaith Cymru, the national organisation for Welsh-speaking youth.

In the months after hearing of her selection, the Ysgol Calon Cymru pupil worked hard to fundraise for her trip to Argentina and even organised a concert at the Commodore Hotel as part of her fundraising efforts ahead of the trip.

Urdd Ieuenctid organises the trip every year because Patagonia historically has links with Wales and some people there still speak Welsh.

The concert featured young performers who were due to appear at the Urdd National Eisteddfod at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd at the end of May.

Now that she has returned from her “wonderful experience” in South America, she would like to thank everyone who offered their support whether it was by buying a cake or raffle ticket, or performing at or attending her concert, or making a donation.

Tegwen is also looking forward to sharing her experiences in Patagonia by giving talks to local societies and schools. She hopes her story will inspire other young people to take on similar adventures.

Any groups who would like to hear more about Tegwen’s trip or about the presentations she will be making can do so by emailing her at tegwenbd@

p>gmail.com.