​Lucas has just completed his GCSEs and has chosen History, Geography, and Health and Social Care as his study options for the upcoming year. He selected Health and Social Care because he aspires to become a paramedic in the future. Having faced challenges in the past, Lucas received substantial support from the NHS, which has inspired him to give back for all that his family and he have experienced. Recently finishing his remission from leukaemia, he now feels ready to contribute to the community.

Tell us about yourself. What attracted you to the 1MM programme?

I’m also a massive football fan. I stopped playing two years ago. and I am now a full–time referee. I was after some guidance in this area and Dave seemed to have a lot of connections given his background in Physiotherapy and the work he does with many high profile sports organisations.

In May 2024 Dave, Lucas’ mentor, invited him to spend the day with the Welsh international team, refereeing at a training camp in Cardiff and experience the highest level of performance sport.

When I was told about it, I honestly didn’t think it was true. I thought there was no chance of this happening to me until I received the email saying I was going to spend the day with the Welsh national football team. I thought, 'Are you having a laugh?'

The players would talk to me every now and again and they would ask why I wanted to be a referee. They asked me what my goals are, I couldn’t believe any of it. I was standing there with Premier League footballers and they’re asking me why I want to be a referee.

I've come out with more confidence as a referee and as a person overall. So even when I came into camp, I thought, let's see where this can take me. My confidence was massive and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Spending time with the players and staff boosted my confidence massively. I went to watch them that evening and after the match they all came over to see me. I was surprised because I thought surely they are not going remember me now. Surprisingly they did!