I’m going on telly to help others face up to the bullies
Schoolboy tells story of rare skin condition
John Dingwall
A schoolboy who was bullied because of his appearance will make his TV debut today.
David Green has a lifelong skin condition that affects fewer than one in 100,000 people.
The 13- year- old is one of three youngsters tel ling their story for a BBC1 Lifeline appeal.
He’s a campaigner for Changingnging Faces, a charity which offers support to anyone in the UK living with a scar, mark or condition that makes them look different.
The youngster suffers fromm bullous i c h t h y o s i f o rmm erythroderma (BIE), which hasas led to him being called names.
David, of Denny, Stirlingshire,ire, said: “The appeal is to stop bullyingying and discrimination and to make people more aware of differences.es.
“Changing Faces introduced me to a counsellor and I found it easier to talk.
“I was able to open up to her and she gave me techniques to help me keep calm if people were staring at me or saying things about my condition.
“It made me want to campaign about it and change people’s attitudes. Before, I’d never have been able to talk to anyone about my skin, let alone go on TV.”
His mum Gail, 42, a primary school worker, said: “David is looking forward to appearing on TV. Before, he was a shy little boy but he has become more chatty, confident and open to sharing his story.
“His condition means his skin is very fragile. It rips and tears easily. He blisters a lot and is prone to infections. He’s in pain all the time and on medication. David can’t do things a lot of other kids can do.”
Changing Faces ambassador Gail Porter will host the Lifeline appeal. The 50-year-old said: “When I suddenly lost my hair due to alopecia, my first thought was whether my young daughter would recognise her mum. What I hadn’t realised
wawas how much the stares, cocomments and abuse wwould affect me. Even walkingwalki down the street became a nerve-nervewracking experience.
“One in five people in the UK self-identify as having a visible difference that makes them look different. Changing Faces is there to support them and their families.
“Looking different can be tough but, if you are a child or teenager being taunted and bullied, it can be impossible.”
David’s dad Michael, 46, a supermarket worker, added: “It was devastating to think your kid didn’t want to go to school because nobody would talk to him. David has regained his confidence and learned to cope with any comments or stares.”
Catherine Deakin, of Changing Faces, said: “As the only charity providing counselling and wellbeing services for children with a visible difference, we know if we can reach children at a young age, years of unhappiness can be avoided.
“By offering children and young people a safe place to talk openly, they are more likely to be confident, have the skills to cope and thrive and live happier lives. We are so proud of David for sharing his story.” Changing Faces is on BBC1 today at 2.05pm and available on the iPlayer.