HIGH FLYING YOUNGSTER FORMERLY IN FOSTER CARE TO SWITCH ON NEWPORT'S CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
A high-flying youngster who was formerly in foster care has been chosen to help the mayor of Newport to switch on the city's Christmas lights, this Sunday.
(prHWY.com) December 2, 2011 - --------, FL -- A high-flying youngster who was formerly in foster care has been chosen to help the mayor of Newport to switch on the city's Christmas lights, this Sunday.
Joanne Ridgway, 18, of Newport, is studying for her A levels despite having a disrupted education until the age of 13.
Joanne was placed with her foster parents via Action for Children's Taith Newydd Foster Care project in Beechwood Park, Newport. The talented youngster will be joined by her foster carers' son Joe Basham, 15, at the festive event.
The pair both scooped the Young Achiever of the Year Award at Newport's V Awards in October, hosted by Voice Magazine in association with Action for Children.
World record holder, Richard Parks will also join Newport's Mayor, Councillor Margaret Cornelious, to officially switch on Newport's Christmas lights.
Jason Hughes, Practice Manager at Action for Children's Taith Newydd Foster Care project said: "Jo has battled the odds, successfully achieved several GCSEs and is now studying for her A levels. She is a real inspiration.
"The support provided by Action for Children, Joanne's foster carers and St Julian's School have helped Joanne to turn her life around and show that with the right help it's never too late to succeed. Joanne is a wonderful example of someone who has overcome considerable hardships to get where she is today.
He added: "Joe has played a significant role in helping the children and young people placed in his parents care over the years. He has been an incredible influence in the lives of some of Action for Children's foster children".
A century on from opening its first service in Wales - a home at Newport Road in Cardiff to give young girls care, shelter and education - Action for Children today runs over 130 services across 50 sites in Wales, supporting over 15,000 of the most vulnerable and neglected children, young people and their families in local communities.
The charity works with vulnerable and disadvantaged children, young people and their families affected by issues including poverty, neglect, abuse, disability, family problems and homelessness.
Christmas Lights Switch on, High Street, Sunday 20 November, 2pm - 6m
Notes to editors
* Action for Children supports and speaks out for the most vulnerable and neglected children and young people, for as long as it takes to make a difference in their lives. * Action for Children works with the most vulnerable and neglected children and young people: whose families need support; are in care; who are disabled; who experience severe difficulties in their lives. * Action for Children is a national charity delivering services that respond to the local needs of children, young people, their families and communities. * Action for Children is committed to helping children and young people as early as possible, offering long term solutions. * Action for Children campaigns to change the lives of the UK's most vulnerable and neglected children and young people. * Children are at the centre of everything Action for Children does. For more information on our work, please visit
http://www.actionforchildren.org.uk.
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