IEUAN Coombes was diagnosed with cerebal palsy at birth and has endured a lifetime of operations and trips to hospital.

The 17-year-old couldn't even walk until he was four, but despite his early setbacks, he has become a beacon of hope for children throughout Gwent and its his determination, dedication and 'you can do it' attitude that has earned him the ambassador title for the Sparkle Appeal.

The appeal, backed by the Argus, is a charity that aims to raise £1.5 million to equip a purpose built centre to help children with complex disabilities in the South Gwent area.

The facility, which is set to open in January next year, aims to help children just like Ieuan who need specialist treatment and support.

But Ieuan hasn't let his disability hold him back and its positive attitude that has endeared his to Sparkle Appeal organisers.

Not only does he manage to fit in regular visits to the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Cardiff’s Bobath Children’s Therapy Centre and Newport’s Eveswell Centre for treatment, he also finds time to study for A-levels in sociology, PE, religious education and the Welsh Baccalaureate at Caerleon Comprehensive.

As well as being a dedicated student, he is also an accomplished sportsman, throwing shot put and discus for the Disability Sport Wales Academy.

He is currently still in recovery from his operation in September to lengthened his hamstring and calf, but is hoping to get back in training again in a bid to represent Great Britain in the Paralympics in 2016.

Ieuan says it is his passion for sport and his own philosophy that anything is possible keeps him going: “Through getting involved in sport it has made me realise that you can do anything. That is one of the things I want to try and get across, that the only person who can say no to you is you. You have already lost half the battle if you say no to yourself.”

His new role as ambassador for the Serennu Children's Centre, the official name of the new children’s centre, he will liaise between the children at the centre and the adult management committee.

He has already got his hands dirty and helped interview prospective managers for the centre and says this job will give him a chance to say thanks to the health service who has helped make his achievements possible: “I’m very, very thankful and I’m hoping that by acting as an ambassador, as well as helping the kids, it will give something back to the health service.”

* You can find out more about the Sparkle Appeal and how you can help by visiting www.sparkleappeal.co.uk or calling 01633 656212.