Inverness teenager is Highland Heroes brave child winner
A teenager who continues to face health battles on a number of fronts has shown she has what it takes to stand up to that - and the bullies who made her life even more difficult.
Melissa Mathieson (14) was named brave child of the year at this year’s Highland Heroes awards for the determination and grace she has shown in the face of huge challenges.
Dealing with severe eczema and asthma the Culloden Academy pupil, who is thinking about a career in childcare, has been in and out of hospital since she was just two, facing a strict regimen of strong antibiotics, light treatments and injections every two weeks.
Highland Heroes salutes extraordinary people doing extraordinary things
Highland Heroes are crowned in Inverness
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The physical health battles have also impacted on her mental health at times and she has faced cruel bullying because of her skin condition.
“The bullies got to me - but I never wanted them to see that they got to me,” she said as she spoke of how she tries to cope with everything that life has thrown at her.
And the fact that her win at the Highland Heroes awards, organised by Northern Times publisher Highland News and Media, comes courtesy of a public vote clearly had an impact.
“It’s really good to know that all those people voted for me,” she said.
Supported by her mum, Shona, on the night she admitted she was “close to tears” at seeing her brave daughter get her moment in the spotlight.
“I’m so proud of her,” she said. “I hope this gives her a real boost because she definitely deserves it. She’s a winner!”
As well as her trophy Melissa received a family ticket to this summer’s Belladrum music festival courtesy of the host sponsor.
The two other fantastic finalists in the brave child category - Amelia Jo Kelly and Rehan Hassan - receive a pair of tickets each.
The brave child of the year award was sponsored by Macleod and MacCallum.
Keep an eye on our website throughout the weekend for more from this year’s fantastic Highland Heroes winners.
