Smart Cookie Ryan wins Youth award

Smart Cookie Ryan wins Youth award

20 April 2016

A YOUNG man with Down’s Syndrome who bakes cakes for good causes is one of the winners honoured in a recent youth awards ceremony.

Ryan Bogues (21) has been making treats which he leaves in an honesty box — Ryan’s Cookie Box — outside his home on the Drumnaconagher Road, Crossgar, over the last year.

Squishy brownies, Malteser buns, Ryan’s long and winding rocky road and his grandmother’s favourite lemon drizzle cake are among his most popular goodies.

Ryan has mobility difficulties due to a problem with his leg but every day he produces the goods with the help of his family and deposits them in the honesty box. In return, well-wishers leave money and notes of encouragement.

He has been collecting money since primary school, pennies which went to Catholic aid charity Trocaire, as well as hundreds of pounds for charities which tackle homelessness and help people with cancer.

Ryan won the ‘Inspirational Young Person Award’ at the Youth and Future Talent Awards, which are run by Newry and Mourne Youth Council, in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

They have been created and organised by young people, for young people and the recent awards night in Newry included diverse and gifted musicians and singers. 

Speaking of her pride this week, Ryan’s mother Hazel Bogues said: “It is not about Ryan, it is about more than that, it is about demonstrating that these kids can do something wonderful and that they bring something wonderful.

“There is not an ounce of badness in him, he is very pure, he has such a strong moral compass that he would put the rest of us to shame.

“He gets and understands each and every charity that we look after.

“It is about showing that these youngsters can do wonderful things. They are wonderful people that make people feel better — it is quite remarkable.”

His mother added: “The achievements of the young people who had been nominated for the various categories would put a song in your heart and give great optimism for the future.”

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council vice-chair, councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick said: “I would like to congratulate all of the young people nominated for these awards, whether individually or as a group, winner or runner up. 

“Young people across our district are involved in some fantastic youth work programmes, volunteering, supporting of their peers, friends and families and this deserves to be highlighted and recognised. The Youth and Future Talent Awards allow us all to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our young people with the huge number of nominations highlighting the positive impact the young people have made to the Newry, Mourne and Down District.”