Karate club hero
695. Bethan Owen
A schoolgirl from north Wales has set up her own karate club to support fellow young carers.
Bethan Owen is 14 years old and has set up a unique karate club in her home town of Rhyl, specifically aimed at supporting fellow young carers coping with the responsibility of looking after loved ones. Despite caring for her mum who suffers from severe epilepsy, Bethan took up the sport at the age of 7 and became a black belt by the time she was 12.
She gained her instructor’s badge soon after and started sessions to give young carers confidence, self-esteem and support through their daily challenges. Nearly three years on she runs five coaching sessions a week, training children and adults from across the community.
In a personal letter to Bethan, Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“Your remarkable achievements at such a young age have provided an invaluable way for young carers like yourself to find fun, friendship and support through your karate sessions”