Teen with disabilities wins award for helping others

Stephen Kelly (seen here with his mother) has won a national award for his "selfless support" of other young people

A teenager living with disability has won a national award for his "selfless support" of other young people.

Stephen Kelly, 17, who lives in Sussex, triumphed in the Proudest Moment category in the annual Contact Awards, which celebrates the achievements and "quiet heroism" of families which have children with disabilities across the UK.

At the ceremony on Monday, Stephen was praised for his determination and empathy for other young people with disabilities.

His mother, Louise Howcutt, said: "When Stephen was born, we were told he wouldn't grow and talk. But he's defied all the odds."

Ms Howcutt, who is a foster carer, said Stephen had a big deletion of his first set of chromosomes which affected his speech, language and development.

The 53-year-old said Stephen had been fundraising for Defiance Sports, which is a disability charity in Eastbourne.

To recognise Stephen's efforts, Ms Howcutt said the charity named its sensory bus after her son.

She said Stephen has supported her through 19 parent and child foster placements, many with disabilities and he gave her the "insight she needed to foster other children with disabilities better".

Stephen has helped raise money for Eastbourne-based charity, Defiance Sport

She said: "Stephen is a very gentle young man who has, for the past 10 years, shared not only his home but my love and time with others who aren't as fortunate.

She said he always made other children's days "brighter", and he took the time "to help create positive memories with the children under care, such as birthdays and going out on trips".

'Truly extraordinary'

Ms Howcutt described Stephen as "truly extraordinary".

"The lives he's touched speaks volumes for the amazing young man he's become," she added.

Anna Bird, chief executive at Contact, a charity for families with disabled children, congratulated Stephen for his "well-deserved" win.

"Our awards are an important reminder that families with disabled children play an incredibly important role in our society," she said.

"They not only care for their own family, but also often supporting a wider community with their insight, knowledge and compassion."