Spread a little 'shine' this festive season - Owain

“As someone who has spina bifida and hydrocephalus, Shine has provided specialist support from before I was born, and throughout my life on how to live with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, as well as to my parents, carers and professional care staff.”

Meet Owain, a remarkable 17-year-old Shine member from Wales. Despite the many challenges that living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus bring, Owain’s positivity and determination shine through in everything he does, especially his passion for wheelchair racing. 
 
Owain’s parents contacted Shine before he was born for information and advice, and Shine has been there for Owain and his family ever since, providing help and support to navigate an often-uncertain pathway to adulthood. 
 
This is a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting young people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, and the difference Shine can make. 
 
During this Festive period, please support Shine so we can continue to provide our free services to our members and their families. 
 

Can you tell us about Owain's Story?

"The support that Shine has put in place for Owain, ourselves, and professionals has enabled Owain to get the best out of life. Confidence is growing and he has a new-found passion for wheelchair racing. He was recently crowned Welsh Champion in the under 20  ‘100 metre’ and ‘400 metre’ Wheelchair Racing. He has had a fantastic season and broken multiple club records at Newport Harrier Athletics in the  T54 wheelchair racer category and  has travelled across the country putting in some incredible performances, winning both the Cardiff and Swansea 10K races!  He is aiming for the Paralympics in 2028."    
 

Can you tell us how Shine has helped Owain and your family?

"One of the many stand out moments for us as parents was the response from Shine at the point of diagnosis, when we discovered our baby had spina bifida at the 20-week scan. Within 12 hours of reaching out, we received a response, and within 4 days, we had a face-to-face meeting with a member of the Shine Team.

We have accessed a range of support over the years, ranging from emotional support, which has proved to be incredibly beneficial during challenging teenage years, to vast input from Shine's Specialist Health Team, which has helped prepare Owain for independence, understand his disability and the confidence to manage his  complex condition plus the importance of taking responsibility for his own health and wellbeing.  Opportunities also for social interaction and developing friendships with other young people within the Shine community." 

What makes supporting Shine this Festive Season meaningful to you?

"Owain is always keen to help Shine help others, and his fundraising achievements have included a climb up Pen Y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales, situated in Brecon Beacons National Park and, more recently, Cardiff’s 10K wheelchair race."
 
He says:  
“As someone who has spina bifida and hydrocephalus, Shine has provided specialist support from before I was born and throughout my life on how to live with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, as well as to my parents, carers and professional care staff. Shine enabled me to get the best out of life.

Everything Shine does is made possible by generous supporters. By donating, you can help others like me, and their families, in your local communities across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Every donation has the potential for profound impact.”

Make a difference to our members’ lives by spreading a little ‘shine’ this Festive Season!

Donate  Become a regular giver  Fundraise