Prestigious Bridgend Rotary Club award goes to school-aged person for the first time

• Key Harvey Palmer Trophy goes to Action for Children Bridgend young carer, Oliver Davies
• Club praises ‘remarkable young man’

Bridgend Rotary Club has awarded its Harvey Palmer Trophy to Oliver Davies, a young carer from Bridgend – the first time the award has gone to a person under the age of 18. Oliver and proud mum, Hayley collected the award at the club’s Handover Dinner this month.

Oliver (13), is supported by Action for Children’s Bridgend Young Carers service as he helps his mother, Hayley, look after his younger brother who has Autism and Pathological Demand Avoidance profile (PDA). He sits on the Welsh Youth Parliament and is a member of the Welsh Young Carers Council speaking out passionately on issues facing young carers and raising awareness.

Bridgend Rotary Club President, W Hopkin Joseph, said: ‘Oliver clearly has a remarkable way about him and is able to put everyone else’s needs above his own. He has shown great passion, strength and support for his family and those around him. Oliver has spoken about his caring experience on numerous news programmes to raise awareness of young carers across Wales.

‘He has been involved in writing a young carers book to raise awareness amongst young children, which has been published and is now in Primary School across Wales. He is a remarkable young man and a worthy winner of this award.’

The annual award and trophy are given in perpetuity by a past Rotarian to acknowledge and reward exceptional service in the community by non-Rotarians.

Oliver said: ‘I was proud to receive this award. It’s great recognition for young carers and the issues we face. I want to spread the word far and wide and enjoy speaking to politicians to make sure they are aware of the challenges and obstacles out there for those who care for a family member. I am grateful to Bridgend Rotary Club for the Harvey Palmer award and honoured to be the first person under 18 to receive it.’