Inspirational teenager scoops award

Buy photos » Hero Texas Bishop is presented with his award by DJ Dr Fox and television presenter Emma Forbes. (s)

A BRAVE Redditch teenager has been hailed a hero after defying the odds and improving the lives of others.

Texas Bishop, who was born three months premature and had a life expectancy of just six months, was crowned the West Midlands family hero at a London award ceremony held by Take a Break Magazine and 4Children.

The 15-year-old-year, who suffers from cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, was selected for the commendation for his commitment to raising money for the charity Whizz-Kidz which supports disabled children in leading a more independent life.

The courageous Winyates resident went that extra mile for the organisation when he walked on fire - with the assistance of friends - to raise money to help other children in the borough.

Despite spending much of his childhood in and out of hospitals, Texas has also been an active member of the army cadets and achieved his bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.

He said: “I hope all the people I help will also get recognition. I just do what I do because I enjoy it.

“My biggest sources of inspiration are my two brothers, and all the people that I’ve helped too.

“My hope for the future is to help as many people as humanly possible, and to beat both my brothers in wheelchair basketball.”

Mum Heather added: “Nobody thought he could achieve what he has but he has a positive outlook on life and is forever pushing himself to do better.”

Regional news »