Teen Disability Advocate Wins National Honor

Stephen Kelly, a 17-year-old living with a disability, has been awarded the Proudest Moment prize at the annual Contact Awards for his selfless dedication to supporting other young people. The awards, which champion families with disabled children across the UK, lauded Stephen for his remarkable empathy and steadfast determination.

His mother shared that Stephen has defied early medical predictions about his development, speech, and language abilities, which were affected by a genetic condition. Stephen's positive influence extends to fundraising for a local disability charity, which even named its sensory bus in his honor.

Furthermore, Stephen has provided invaluable insight to his mother, a foster carer, by supporting 19 parent and child placements, many involving children with disabilities. His gentle nature and willingness to share his home and time have brightened the lives of many, helping create positive memories for children in care.