AN INSPIRATIONAL mixed martial arts competitor is the latest recipient of an award highlighting Wrexham's finest heroes.
The F Jones Initiative recognises those who contribute most to the Wrexham community and was originally established by Wrexham Lager and F Jones Food Service.
The latest to receive the prize is Welsh flyweight and MMA professional Aaron Aby who has shown great fighting spirit both in and out of the ring down the years.
Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just two weeks old, the Wrexham fighter has even overcome stage three cancer.
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Aaron, 32, received the all-clear in March 2019 after chemotherapy and made his fighting return eight months later.
He has been awarded the F Jones Initiative prize for the work he does in raising awareness of Cystic Fibrosis, which often leaves people living with it with a reduced lung capacity.
He has also been recognised for making a difference in his local community with through his Inspire Performance Gym in Gwersyllt.
During his teenage years, Aaron was recognised as one of Welsh football's most promising talents and picked up by Shrewsbury Town.
Before turning to martial arts, he also represented Wales' under 13's side, playing alongside Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen who have all become full international players.
PIC: Mixed Martial Arts star Aaron Aby.
A spokesperson for F Jones Initative said: "Three years ago, Aaron was given a terminal cancer diagnosis, and after a major operation and 8 rounds of chemotherapy he survived and has recently won his third fight!
"As well as all the hard work Aaron does, raising awareness for CF, Aaron also helps run the Inspire Performance Centre in Gwersyllt.
"The gym provides sport and fitness instruction including strength and conditioning, personal training, mixed martial arts, Olympic lifting, nutrition advice, elite coaching, indoor football and 5 a side footy.
"We hope Aaron’s story will inspire other young people with CF to try everything and not let their lives be defined by their condition."
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