A blind in one eye Stockport fan, 11, puts bullies to shame by his incredible fundraising efforts, giving back to those that help him.
The bullying was so bad that Taylor Dignan, who has ‘shell-like’ teeth, is blind in one of his eyes, and has to inject himself to grow, had to be counselled.
He has a rare condition known as Anterior Segment Dygenesis (ASD). The front of the eye is affected by a range of disorders.
His disorder affects only one eye but also his teeth, which are “like shells”, and his growth.
He is currently 107cm tall – the UK average for boys his age is approximately 138.4cm and takes growth hormones in order to prepare for puberty.
He said that he was bullied because of his disability, but that didn’t get him down, now feeling determined to ignore those who taunt him and instead raise money to help the hospital where he receives treatment, as well as to encourage other children with disabilities to celebrate their differences.
Taylor was born at Stepping Hill and referred to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, where he had his first surgery aged just 48 hours. He was referred to the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, where he has regular outpatient visits.
He is still receiving growth hormones at the Children’s Hospital. Taylor takes part in various research studies because the condition is rare and affects different people.
Taylor and his dad Dan walked a one mile route near their home in Offerton, and even ventured out through rain and snow.
His determination to help others became so popular that it attracted the attention of someone working for League Two playoff finalists Stockport County.
They invited Taylor to run a mile more, finishing at the Stockport County ground, when they played Hartlepool United back in December.
To donate to Taylor’s fundraising page visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/taydiggs To find out more about Manchester Foundation Trust Charity and its projects visit www.mftcharity.org.uk
Taylor’s fundraising mission also aims to help other children with disabilities celebrate their differences, something which has won him a Pride of Manchester award.
Nominations are now open for the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards with TSB. You can nominate your unsung heroes online at prideofbritain.com.
He said in 2022, as per MEN: “I don’t just want to help people like me, I want the money to help lots of patients at the hospitals,” he says “I know how it feels to be in and out of hospital – I’ve been going there all my life.
“I also know what it feels like to be bullied. I don’t want other children to experience what I did, which is why I’m telling people about my condition. Thankfully the bullying has stopped now and I have lots of nice friends, but people need to know that they shouldn’t be mean to you just because you might be different to them.
“My condition affects lots of things, not just my eye. I also have problems with my teeth and I have to give myself injections to make me grow. But it doesn’t stop me from doing things I like – like playing football. I also like drawing and designing football strips.”
Taylor’s mum, Sam, said: “In Year One he was quite severely bullied about this eye and he was so downhearted by it all, he was supported with counselling through the hospitals. We also had him fitted with a cosmetic lens so it looked like his other eye, but it was quite uncomfortable and by then the damage [the bullying] had already been done.
“He had counselling for seven months, so to see how he is now is incredible – he’s really grown in confidence and he’s a different boy now. He used to have a very poor image of himself. Sometimes children can be very cruel.
“A few weeks ago at school the pupils had to make a poster about themselves. When I asked Taylor how he found it he said ‘I was fine talking about my condition. I want to help other children like me’.
“That’s when he said he wanted to do some fundraising. It started off with a very elaborate 100-mile challenge but we talked him round to 10 miles because he is 10 years old. He started on November, 24 and finished December, 3, but then he was excited to be invited to do an extra mile at Stockport, which he did just before Christmas.
“He absolutely loved it. He met all the players, had a special lunch and received lots of special gifts from the club. The crowd applauded him and Taylor said it was the best day of his life.
“His school have been so supportive – his 10th mile was round the school field with his friends and the other week they did a special assembly dedicated to him and his challenge. I think he’ll be doing 20 miles in 20 days next. He definitely wants to do more.”
Here’s how viewers reacted at the interview with with the blind in one eye Stockport fan, 11, who puts bullies to shame by fundraising to help others…
Vicky Broughton: A lot of Adults could learn a thing or two from Taylor. Well done young man, I hope you raise lots of money, you are an absolute superstar 🙌
Charlie Bayley: Taylor the best thing I found when I was at school, which admittedly was a while ago was to develop selective hearing then you won’t have to listen to the bullies. Either that or take up Karate, then they’ll stay well away from you! All the best for the future young man.
Carol Plowman: We need more youngsters like you Taylor. The best impact on bullies is to leave them alone and do something as positive as you did.
Jean Christine Jones: Well done Taylor! Ignore the bullies sweetheart!❤
Mandy Clayton: What a brave and insightful young man. ‘Be brave, and stay yourself’, he said, when talking about dealing with bullying. How wise.
@jan_fifi: #thismorning Taylor is adorable 😍
@Flat__l1ned: @thismorning Way to go, Taylor! Enjoy your Wembley day out xx #ThisMorning
@Mabel_Mouse_: It makes me sick to think that anyone would bully Taylor. He’s such a lovely, inspirational young boy. #thismorning
@wceebee: Well done to Taylor 👍
@foreveroufc: had to shed a tear by the end of this interview, what a lovely young lad he is
— Amanda Platell (@amandajplatell) June 5, 2023
You must be logged in to post a comment Login