A COMMITTED youngster who is passionate about supporting his loved ones and local community is a Young Champions finalist.
It’s easy to mistake Ethan Hadfield’s resilience and passion for that of someone far beyond his 13 years.
The Smithies lad is making his dreams come true after setting up a charitable organisation honouring his late brother.
The charity, called Declan’s Dream, is named after Ethan’s brother Declan, who died at birth.
Ethan decided that he wanted to open a charity shop to support a range of people - including those who have special needs, such as his two brothers who have autism.
Ethan said it would make him ‘so proud’ if he was able to do something that would help put a smile on other people’s faces.
He said: “I’m currently doing a lot of charity work for various good causes and decided to start my own charity called Declan’s Dream.
“I chose that name as a tribute to my brother who died at birth due to a lot of problems with his organs and body.
“I have chosen these causes as they are very close to me and mean a lot.
“I have two brothers with autism and see a lot of kids struggle with mental health problems.
“I will be so proud and honoured to be able to give something back to them, even if it just to see them smile.
“If I can help them and their life in any way they it will be worthwhile.”
As a passionate Barnsley FC supporter, Ethan has also brought a piece of the town’s football history to life.
Noticing that other clubs celebrated their legacy with street art, Ethan founded the fans’ group Tykes Union and launched a campaign to create a local mural.
Thanks to his vision and the backing of the community, fans rallied to raise £4,000 in under two weeks.
This exceptional effort funded a striking new football mural on the wall of the Bala Street newsagents.
Ethan said: “I started Tykes Union because I wanted to create something special at Oakwell.
“As me and my family are big Barnsley supporters I came up with the idea for the football mural.
“I’ve done some research on other clubs and they all had murals so I thought it would be good for Barnsley as a community.
“It’s something to be proud of.
“We are all Barnsley and I am proud of our town and club.”
