AN Olympic torch bearer is set to take his anti-bullying message to Golden Square shopping centre this weekend.
Former wheelchair athlete and Great Britain gold medal winner, Adrian Derbyshire, will be at the shopping centre on Saturday from 9am to 5pm talking to young people about his experiences of bullying that he has endured since being in a wheelchair.
Adrian, who was left disabled by a brain tumour, plans to talk to people about their own experiences of stigma, bullying and hate crime, to help them to beat the tormentors.
He said: “The aim is to try to pass on some useful advice or information to them. It also gives me the opportunity to inspire children and young adults to be the best that they can be through being positive role models.”
He has now delivered his message to over 43,000 children at schools across England and the Isle of Man since April 2014.
His campaign targets everything from hate crime to social media abuse, which he says is the latest form of psychological bullying, especially for teens.
As well as showing people his hand-cycle, medals and other memorabilia, he plans to inspire them through his campaign motto #InspireBelieveSucceed.
Ian Cox, Golden Square centre manager, said: “We fully support the message he will be bringing and we are sure our shoppers will enjoy meeting him.”
The shopping centre is supporting Adrian’s continued efforts to raise money for the cause, with a series of events planned throughout the summer.
By Phillippa Jarvis
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here