Our Courage award winner was reduced to tears when told that he had won one of our Community Heroes 2021 Awards.

Andrew Ruscoe, couldn't hold back the emotions when he found out he had been announced as the winner of the Courage award.

Andrew was nominated by Gareth Thomas, after the pair have grown close over a shared passion for football. Mr Ruscoe is the chairman and joint founding member of community based football club FC United of Wrexham, alongside Morgan Churchill and Tom Winsper.

Despite battling Palindromic Rheumatism, Andrew continues to show relentless determination to be an inspiration to the players of the club.

Mr Ruscoe takes training sessions for all teams as well as overseeing matches. Away from the pitch, he and the club have helped players with health problems, applications for university and also provided essential career advice to those seeking employment.

He said: "I am over the moon to have won the Leader Courage award and I would like to thank Gareth for my nomination without him this would not have happened.

"The news has actually made me cry because the work we do is to help create opportunities for the community. We aim to tackle sedentary lifestyles, reduce crime, steer people away substance use and help raise awareness of Futsal.

"To win this award actually means the world to me as I have been suffering from Palindromic Rheumatism for four years now, where at times I have literally not been able to walk whilst training the children but my desire to not let our young players down is stronger than the will to rest.

"I hope this award gives strength to others who have similar issues and it raises the awareness of the sport of futsal in our community. Thank you so much."

The Courage award is sponsored by Kronospan

The Leader: Kronospan

Kronospan is a world leading manufacturer of wood-based panels using the most advanced technology.

A spokesman said: “We have been operating in Chirk since 1970 and employ more than 600 people.

“Our company has pioneered many of our industry’s key advances and will continue to lead product development and innovation into the future.

“Our products have a wide application across the flooring, furniture and DIY industries.

“We constantly aim to improve and perfect our products by reacting quickly to changes especially in tough times.

“The last two years have witnessed many changes and have been a very challenging time for so many people, including many of our workforce who have shown great commitment and dedication.

“We are therefore very proud to support the Courage Award for the Wrexham Leader community heroes. Visit www.kronospan-worldwide.com.”