Teen gives hope to nation’s younger generation

Rhys Unwin

A Spotland teen has given hope to the nation’s younger generation by battling bullying, record youth unemployment and a painful limb disease to gain an education and land work.

In fact, heroic Rhys Unwin, 17, was so tenacious in his job hunt that he braved several inches of snow to go to his work placement – even though a debilitating muscle weakness in his foot could have seen him sprain his ankle at any moment.

“I was born with a condition called CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease) and ended up with a clawed foot” said Mr Unwin, “This means I have problems when walking down steps and am always going over when it’s icy.”

A genetic disorder which also affects his brothers, CMT can be extremely painful and it has already resulted in Mr Unwin having an operation on his foot. About to go under the knife again this month, it isn’t the only barrier that has so far stunted his progress.

Mr Unwin was the subject of bullying at school and although a transfer to St Cuthbert’s College on Shaw Road helped – “the staff gave me lots of support” said Mr Unwin – he was low on confidence.

Now, following sheer determination, Mr Unwin has got a job in retail in one of Rochdale’s shopping centres.

“At first I was really nervous when it came to dealing with customers but I soon got used to it” said Mr Unwin, “And, I managed to get through Christmas – which was a very busy time.”

Mr Unwin is now hoping to move on to an apprenticeship course in retail.