A ROSS-ON-WYE man, who has turned his life around after being repeatedly told he was not good enough, has received a High Sheriff’s award for his life-changing efforts.
Roy Roger’s struggles began in childhood when he was told he was ‘not wanted’ and was brutally beaten. And when he was able to leave home, he struggled to hold down a job.
Roy said: “The feelings of not being wanted and not being good enough have never really left me. But when I met the family behind @ The Hub, they offered me friendship and made me feel more accepted.
“My confidence began to grow and continues to grow to this day. I would not be where I am now had it not been from the warm welcome I received at the hub.”
At the presentation of the special award Pat Churchward, the High Sheriff of Herefordshire said that she had met Roy when she opened the facility earlier in the year and added: “One of the best things about my role is giving out awards. But I am very picky about who receives them.
“Roy had a tough start in life followed by a topsy turvy journey throughout his adult years, but he has managed to turn his life around.
“He is now one of those people who is reliable, loyal, dedicated and hard working. He does everything that is asked of him, and more.
“He is a thoroughly decent human being. He is a great person to have around. The people at St Joseph’s RC Primary School are thrilled that he motivates them in the school grounds.
“In a letter one child says, ‘I love Gardening Club because Roy makes us laugh a lot.”
The school said that Roy makes an invaluable addition to the St Joseph’s family and added: “Roy goes above and beyond the call of duty in his volunteering efforts, his dedication and willingness to further improve our school grounds.
“He has had a significant impact on us all. Nothing is beyond him. He is a problem solver and a creator of great ideas and inspires everyone around him with his positivity and can-do attitude.
Mrs Churchward added: “Over the past few months the team @ The Hub have kept me informed about Roy’s improvements and from what I hear, they are lucky to have him among them.”
Roy added: “I don’t really know what I’ve done to deserve this award because all that I’ve done comes naturally to me.
“I have four families that have helped me achieve this award: my own family, namely my brother, who shares my interest in gardening; my family at Pengethley Garden Centre; St Joseph’s Primary School, whose pupil’s have an enthusiasm that is contagious and of course the family @ The Hub who helped me when I was not in a very good place.
“It took me a good 18-months for me to return to back to being anything like the Roy I knew from before.”