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Name: | Aadam Elahi |
Age: | 16 |
Year of the Fix: | 2013 |
Location: | Leytonstone, London |
Campaign: | To help young people with eczema |
Throughout my life, I have managed a serious eczema condition, which almost left me blind during my childhood.
I have had eczema since I was one-year-old. I spent a lot of my childhood in hospital, trying different creams to treat the eczema or undergoing operations to remove ulcers, which formed on my eyes, and could have blinded me if left unattended.
I was bullied at school. Other children would say I have “old man’s hands” and called me other names. Unfortunately, I felt there was just no support there for me.
That is why, with the help of Fixers, I’m completing a short story book which will support children with eczema, showing them they are not alone, and that they can live with their skin conditions.
Ultimately, I want to empower people with eczema and get other young people to understand that those with eczema should be treated fairly and not ridiculed.
Here is a list of Fixers helping me with my Fix:
Adil Ahmed
Larebb Butt
Mohammed Hiloule
Samya Sayid
Sophie Ridge
Zeeshan Raja
The society promoted my book and recommends the book for children with eczema.
The libraries supported my Fixers project by letting me present my book to a group of children during two story sessions at the libraries. Maddy Fogleman from Waltham Forest Libraries was an amazing help organising the reading and craft day.
December 2014
I visited Number 10 Downing Street in December to meet Prime Minister David Cameron and talk about my campaign!
The event was hosted in commemoration of the National Lottery's 20th birthday celebrations, where I rubbed shoulders with a host of celebrities and politicians.
To get the opportunity to shake David Cameron's hand and speak about my campaign was fantastic. Here's what he had to say:
'The work Aadam is doing to benefit others by using his past experience is admirable.'
I'm so grateful he took the time to speak to me. It was a moment I'll never forget.
Scroll down to see pictures from the event.
Fixer Aadam Elahi with Prime Minister David Cameron
Fixer Aadam Elahi outside Number Ten Downing Street
October 2014
I was interviewed on London Live with Melissa James - a singer/songwriter who is raising money for Fixers through her gigs. You can click on the image below to watch the video.
March 2014
I was among a group of young people invited to attend the Diana Award Social Action Showcase at the House of Lords. We were asked to share details of the projects we are working on to help create change in our communities.
The Minister for Civic Society, Nick Hurd MP, and Dame Julia Cleverdon gave speeches at the event. We also participated in a Q&A session on the topic of volunteering.
February 2014
I am honoured to have won a prestigious Diana Courageous Citizen Award for my work with young people. I received my certificate at a ceremony in London on Friday 28th February.
The award recognises young people whose courageous approach to life has made a positive impact on the lives of others.
Fixer Aadam after receiving the Diana Award
October 2013
I represented Fixers at international auction house Christie’s staff quiz night. I spoke to the employees about my Fixers project and showed them a copy of my book, which you can see below.
Aadam with comedian Stephen Frost who was the quizmaster for the evening.
August 2013
I held two storytelling and craft workshops on 10th August 2013 at the Waltham Forest Libraries. The event was great! I presented my book to two groups of young children and their parents, who really enjoyed 'Itchy Witchy'.
Here is some feedback from the parents at the event:
Lisa Donaldson:
'Aadam was an engaging storyteller and his book is amazing! I suffered badly from eczema when I was a child and there was nothing like this available.'
Tracy Smith:
'A fantastic story and a wonderful way to learn about eczema. It's great to see something good come from a challenging situation.'
Nick O'Brien:
'An excellent idea. After my experience with my daughter, this kind of thing is definitely needed.'
Inderpal Naura:
'Really good, great local author, young people need support like this.'
March 2013
My story was featured in the Waltham Forest Guardian. You can read more about my story by clicking this link.
Liam Thomas
Shannon Rawlings
Jack H
Me and my friends want young people to know that calories aren't the enemy!
Becky Thorn
Sam Barakat
Meghann
Tilly and Bella
Becky
'Kate'
'Ben'
Shak & Natasha
Chelsie Brown
Jade Kingdom
Lauren Taylor
Mary-Anne White and Lucy Wills
Hafsa Ur-Rehman
Jo Quinn
Ben Simms
Olivia G
Hannah Baker
Timothy Cranfield