A TEENAGERA with a lifelong progressive condition has been selected as the face of Ty Hafan for BBC Children in Need’s Game to Give campaign.

Seth Burke, from Dinas Powys, is the face of Ty Hafan's brand new programme: Game On where he helps explore the positive impact gaming can offer people with a disability.

The 14-year-old was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy when he was six weeks old and has never let the condition get in the way of his passion for gaming.

He said: “I love gaming so much; I love Minecraft because you can do whatever your imagination wants. I can escape reality which is why I love gaming.

Barry And District News: Seth Burke and wheelchair dance artist Florent Devlesaver at Ubisoft. Picture: Ty HafanSeth Burke and wheelchair dance artist Florent Devlesaver at Ubisoft. Picture: Ty Hafan (Image: Ty Hafan)“At Ty Hafan, I can game with some other people who understand what I go through. I can just be free and talk about whatever I want, I really love it here it's amazing.”

Seth has been a member of the Welsh Youth Parliament for Ty Hafan and Ty Gobaith Children's Hospices since November 2021.

Katie Simmons, Youth Social Action, and participation Practitioner for Tŷ Hafan, says: “Being at Ty Hafan is different to anywhere else in his life.

“It’s just somewhere where he can just come and be free. We have a designated Teens area which we call The Den which has got its own gaming area. 

“Seth knows that there are people here to listen to him and support him and we do regular check-ins to check he is OK.” 

Barry And District News: Seth Burke and wheelchair dance artist Florent Devlesaver at Ubisoft. Picture: Ty HafanSeth Burke and wheelchair dance artist Florent Devlesaver at Ubisoft. Picture: Ty Hafan (Image: Ty Hafan)He also visited the head offices of the Ubisoft gaming company in Paris which was broadcast on Newsround and BBC Wales ahead of Game on! For BBC Children in Need.

He added: “I got to go to Paris to visit the Ubisoft headquarters, Ubisoft are the maker of Just Dance and I met Florent, who is a dancer in the new version for wheelchair users.

“I also got to chat with the Ubisoft staff about what they can do in the future to make gaming more accessible for all people.”

Seth was featured on the following TV Programmes: 

  • CBBC Newsround & iPlayer Friday, November 10, 7.45am 
  • BBC Wales & iPlayer Friday, November 10, 6.30pm 
  • BBC3 & iPlayer ‘Game On! For Children in Need Friday, November 10, 7-9pm.  

John, Seth’s dad added: “For Seth, gaming opens up a whole new world for him, enabling him to do all of those things that actually he is unable to do in day-to-day life.”

Barry And District News: Seth Burke selected as face of Ty Hafan for BBC Children in Need's Game to give campaignLisa, Seth’s mum added: “John and I are so proud of Seth and his positive outlook on life. Ty Hafan has always been such an essential place for Seth, and us, as it supports our whole family in so many ways.”

Tommy Nagra, Director of Content at BBC Children in Need, commented: “Game On! is a groundbreaking new addition for BBC Children in Need.

"We are delighted with the help of amazing young people like Seth, we can shine a light on the power of gaming and the opportunities it brings to unite and inspire children and young people.”