Kind readers rally round bullied Inverness teen
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A disabled teenager whose bullying hell was highlighted by the Highland News has had his life transformed by the kindness shown since.
After a five-year bullying campaign, 17-year-old Kevin MacDonald, from Wester Inshes, Inverness, who has Down’s syndrome, is finally able to go outside without being called names.
Kevin’s mum Cath (41) has been overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers since we highlighted his plight.
He is now recognised wherever he goes, his mum revealed and a negative experience has now become a positive one.
Last month, Kevin, a pupil at Drummond School, was kicked, hit and spat at by teenagers in the street, and he was so traumatised, he no longer wanted to go out and play on his bike.
But thanks to a number of local people, groups and businesses, life is now on the up for Kevin.
A Celtic fan, he has even been given two team tops and tickets to meet ex-Celtic player Chris Sutton in February.
Mrs MacDonald said: “People have been very kind.
“After the incident, Kevin was afraid to go out – in case children picked on him on the street again. But it no longer happens. In fact the opposite, so many people have been so kind to us.
“Kevin’s world has been turned round.”
Mrs MacDonald explained that for five years Kevin has been called names while out playing, something she and her son put up with –but when things turned to violence it was the final straw and she felt she had no option but to call in the police.
She continued: “The police have now spoken to all the bullies and things have got much easier for Kevin.
“Kevin is still afraid to go out in the dark, but his confidence is building up again.
“Since the incident we discovered that a man stopped his car and got out to try and help Kevin while the teenagers were attacking him. That man has become a friend and always stops to speak to Kevin now.
“Thank you to the Highland News for highlighting the story. Kevin and I feel like people are starting to listen and that is changing things for us both. I spoke out because bullying towards anyone is unacceptable,” she added.
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