Community / Brynn scoops national award
A TEENAGER from Yell has become a national hero after scooping the Young Fundraiser of the Year prize at the Pride of Scotland awards on Wednesday night.
Brynn Hauxwell said he was “absolutely blown away”, a feeling that was further heightened after receiving a message of support from adventurer Bear Grylls.
The 16-year-old travelled with his mum Kim to the red carpet event at Hopetoun House, outside Edinburgh.
Brynn had been shortlisted for the unsung hero awards, sponsored by the Daily Record and the TSB, after pushing himself to the limit by covering nearly 1,700 miles in his wheelchair in an extraordinary charity challenge that raised more than £8,000 for Ability Shetland.
After being announced as the winner of the category, Brynn said: “I am absolutely blown away and completely speechless about winning this.
“A massive thank you to Bear Grylls for kind words, my family, to all my friends, Ability Shetland, the Shetland community and to all of my supporters far and wide.”
Brynn is autistic and has ADHD, severe asthma and fixed ankle contractures meaning he relies on a wheelchair to get around.
Getting access to an all-terrain wheelchair was a life-changing development for the teenager and his family, as it has allowed him to discover the great outdoors, and extend his personal freedom.
Brynn said Wednesday night’s awards ceremony saw some amazing winners with inspiring stories.
“There was some amazing stories at the awards last night and you guys can watch it over on STV on 27 July,” he said.
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