A MONMOUTHSHIRE woman has been named Wales’ adult volunteer of the year following her work with the Meningitis Trust after her son suffered from the disease.

Nicola Price, of Caldicot, was presented with her award at yesterday’s Wales Volunteer of the Year awards in Cardiff in recognition of the inspirational work she has done to raise awareness and vital funds for the charity.

This is after her son, Brogan, contracted meningococcal meningitis, the deadliest form of meningitis, in 2007 when he was aged seven.

The Argus reported in March 2007 that Brogan was brought home from school with a high temperature and the shakes.

Ms Price took him to their GP and then the Royal Gwent Hospital, where he was diagnosed and transferred to Cardiff’s University Hospital of Wales.

Brogan was left in a critical condition and ended up fighting for his life for eight days.

Although he pulled through, he still lives with the after-effects of the disease, including behavioural issues, sleeping difficulties, constant headaches and lack of concentration.

Ms Price said doctors had told her that if she hadn’t taken Brogan to the hospital when she did he probably would have died within an hour.

Following his recovery, Ms Price set out to help the trust, which had given her support, as much as she could.

Her work has led to her recently being appointed volunteer team leader for the Meningitis Trust in Wales, making her one of only eight people to hold this position in the UK.

Her role includes co-ordinating other volunteers in the area, recruiting new volunteers, giving talks and offering one-to-one support to other families needing help and advice.

Ms Price said: “It’s a real honour to be a community team leader for the trust and to meet so many inspirational people, and now to have won an award for doing something I love is just fantastic.”

Teen also honoured

A TEENAGER who was instrumental in developing Newport’s Serennu Centre for disabled youngsters was named Wales’ Young Volunteer of the Year 2012.

Staff at the centre nominated Ieuan Coombes, 19, of Caerleon, for his dedication to the centre and the “truly inspirational” way he encourages others to strive to reach their goals.

Despite having cerebral palsy and enduring more than 20 operations during his life, the Paralympian is studying for a sport science degree at Cardiff’s Metropolitan University, as well as performing duties as a young ambassador for the charity behind the centre – the Argus-backed Sparkle Appeal.

Mr Coombes led interview panels of young people to appoint a centre manager and activities co-ordinator, has given talks on the charity’s behalf to numerous groups, schools and business people, and set up a young people’s forum.

The Serennu Centre gives support to more than 1,000 young people at a purposebuilt centre in High Cross.