A TEENAGER who has turned his personal experiences of bullying into a positive role helping others has been hailed an ‘inspiration’.
Kieran Borrows, aged 13, has been nominated for an award for his work as a peer mentor at Yewlands Technology College in Parson Cross.
His devoted fundraising, giving up every break and lunchtime to sell raffle tickets, and leading an anti-bullying initiative also saw him nominated for the High Sheriff of South Yorkshire Awards.
Grant Bryce-Stephen, head of inclusion at Yewlands, who nominated Kieran, said: “He is small in stature but big in heart and personality.
“To recognise these efforts would be a tremendous achievement for Kieran.”
Sheffield United fan Kieran, from Hillsborough, was picked on by bullies because of his size, speech impediment and special educational needs.
Mr Bryce-Stephen added: “He’s grabbed the peer mentor role with both hands.
“Kieran has taken the opportunity and is one of my most reliable peer mentors. If he sees youngsters being bullied he comes and tells people.
“He’s had a lot of hurdles to overcome and he’s got over those to stay a very pleasant young man.
“If he had the chance he’d probably take part in every after-school activity that there is.
“I would call him an inspiration to others.”
Kieran has been nominated for the young fundraiser of the year category after raising money for charities including Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and Comic Relief.
South Yorkshire High Sheriff Julie Kenny will lead the judging for the awards, held in March.
She said:“The hardest task for the judges will be deciding just one winner from over 50 entries received.”
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