AN inspirational young Greenock man has received one of Rotary International GB and Ireland’s most prestigious awards.
Rhys McCole has been given the Young Citizen Peacemaker Award for his work teaching boxing skills while incorporating valuable life lessons such as anti-bullying, anti-weapon crime, anti-drugs and substance abuse, and common manners and courtesy.
He was nominated after previously winning the Rotary Club of Gourock Sadhu Gupta Young Citizens’ Award.
Rhys was born fighting for his life. As a child, he was diagnosed with heart septal defects, Mears Irlen Syndrome, auditory processing disorder, dyslexia, autism and asthma.
Growing up, he was often seriously ill, battling sepsis and rupturing his appendix, and rarely got to play outside with other children.
But as he matured, Rhys gained many accolades for his charity and volunteering work while becoming a full-time coach and fitness instructor with his own business.
He has also become the only para-disabled boxer in the world, competing in mainstream boxing and remarkably winning several national titles.
Rhys’s boxing initiative works with local schools like Notre Dame High, St Columba’s, Lomond View Academy and Kibble.
He has also linked with Police Scotland to help troubled youngsters. The results have been significant and have had a positive impact on mental health. Many of the pupils attending his classes were disinterested in school and encountering problems with discipline, yet within weeks of attending, their behavior had improved drastically. The schools saw less violence, better attendance, and physical and mental health benefits.
Rhys feels he has received decades of help and support and is, in turn, keen to contribute back to the community and support kids.
He received his national Rotary award at a ceremony in Alcester, Warwickshire. Rotary GB and Ireland will provide Rhys with £250 to donate to a charity of his choice. He has nominated Children in Poverty Inverclyde.
