A FEARNHEAD teenager has been rewarded after overcoming his own adversities to support and inspire others with disabilities.

Joe Sullivan was named O2 Think Big inspirational young person of the year after being nominated by Nuvvy Sibia from Warrington Youth Club.

The 19-year-old has been volunteering with the charity's scheme Buddy Up for the last three years working tirelessly to support a designated young person and help them in areas including improving social skills, helping to create friendship groups and supporting and promoting independence through sessions at the Peace Centre in Great Sankey.

Joe, who was diagnosed with Asperger's when he was aged eight, said: "I was sitting an A-Level exam at the time and then got a phone call afterwards telling me I had won it.

"It's been really rewarding volunteering as I have got a disability myself and have found it difficult in the past to interact with others and make friends.

"I was lucky as I was really well supported but I do understand what a lot of people experience and how it feels to have a disability.

"I volunteer quite a lot now to give that support to someone else and help others with disabilities to be a bit more independent.

"People think you can't do as much but I want to show people you can if you have got the right support."

The part-time McDonalds employee, who hopes to be a special needs teacher when he is older, now plans to travel to Uganda during a gap year before university after overcoming difficulties which plagued him during his school years.

He added: "In high school I thought the only way to make friends was messing about and a lot of people took advantage of that and made fun of me.

"I felt a bit lonely at times but volunteering has been the best thing I have done and helped my confidence as well as making some really good friends."

Nuvvy, from Warrington Youth Club, added all of the scheme's volunteers are 'amazing' and it was tough singling out any for special recognition.

He said: "Joe has overcome his own adversities as a result of his disability, and has put his energies and efforts into supporting other young people with disabilities.

"To say that I am overwhelmed Joe won the award is an understatement."

For more information about the 'Buddy up' scheme call 574786 or 07432 640939 or email NuvvyS@warringtonyouthclub.co.uk