 The Try Angle Awards recognise the achievements of young people |
A Romany Gypsy teenager who raised awareness about his lifestyle and culture after being bullied at school has won a community award for his work. Blue Jones, 14, who lives in Fordwich, near Canterbury, Kent, suffered a fractured skull during one attack by bullies on a playing field.
But he drew on his traumatic experience by setting up a Romany Gypsy youth club at his school.
Blue's efforts were recognised by the Try Angle Awards.
He said the bullying at his school started with name-calling, spitting and hair-pulling, but then developed into pushing, punching and worse.
'Sad feeling'
"I've been through hell and I wanted to live in peace," he said.
"I wanted every other Gypsy or Irish Traveller or minority person to be proud of who they are.
"I decided that things had to change so I set up the youth club, for people to learn about our own culture and ancestors, and it's been a great success."
Blue also now works with Kent Police and the county council on Romany Gypsy issues.
"It gives me a sad feeling that it took me getting beaten up for it to happen - but the satisfaction I've got from all this stuff I've achieved is hard to put into words," he said.
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