Local councillor for Garth Ward in Bangor, Huw Wyn Jones, has been thanked for the help and support he gave to a young family who were in dire need.
Ayman Hameed and his wife Shayma were both students at Bangor University, sadly after they both graduated, Ayman was diagnosed with a brain tumour and had to undergo emergency surgery.
This was devastating news for both of them and their two young children, but also complicated because they were so far from their home country of Iraq.
Members of the Bangor based Seki Ryu Zan Karate club, of which Ayman was an active member, have now thanked Mr Jones for the kindness and compassion that he showed to Ayman and his family.
A spokesperson from Seki Ryu Zan Karate club said: “Mr Jones worked hard to ensure that this family were cared for and received support during Ayman’s convalescence.
“He also helped deal with the nightmare of paperwork and legal issues that they were faced with before they could arrange to return home to Iraq.
“We would like to say a big thank you from all of us.”
The spokesperson added: “Ayman had already received his black belt at the Seki Ryu Zan club before he was diagnosed with the brain tumour. When he became ill, he was operated on at Clatterbridge and the tumour was removed.
“He was on chemotherapy for quite a while but continued training with us in between treatments. He trained just as hard as before and although his prognosis isn’t favourable, he still wanted to attempt his second dan black belt.
“He undertook the exam under Sensei Masao Kawasoe at the Canolfan Brailsford leisure centre in Bangor. His performance was superb and nobody could tell how ill he had been.
“His final fight against Brian McLaughin from Maesgeirchen was skilful and exciting and Brian was not giving him any favours either. He passed his second dan with flying colours.”
The family arrived home safely in Iraq yesterday, thanks to Cllr Jones arranging transport and travel documents. Shayma graduated with a Phd in industrial Chemistry at Bangor University and has been successful in her application for a prestigious position at Baghdad University.
Photos: Ayman. Glyn & Colin from Seki Ryu Zan Karate club / Cllr Huw Wyn Jones
