Eleven-year-old Nicholas Nikiforou from Weston Super Mare was one of twenty outstanding young people from across the world to receive the Inaugural Legacy Award by The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry at St James’s Palace in London on Thursday 18 May.
The young Greek Cypriot was presented with the trophy in recognition of his efforts to beat bullying.
Nicholas, who was born with a facial birthmark (congenital melanocytic nevus) found himself on the receiving end of cruel jibes from classmates who pointed out the scars left following several surgeries to remove it.
The large birthmark is classified under the Disability Act and medical terminology as ‘disfigurement’ which Nicholas strongly disagrees with, advocating for facial equality.
He is passionate about promoting that ‘it is what is on the inside that counts’.
In an appearance on ITV’s This Morning, he said, “When I was young I always thought of being a marine biologist, but recently I changed my mind and I want to campaign for people who look different and I want to help them.
“Why call it a disfigurement, there is nothing wrong with you, it is just something that looks different.”
In addition to campaigning for facial equality, Nicholas has raised funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital where he has received treatment since infancy.
After watching the film It’s A Wonderful Life, Nicholas immediately connected with its message; that people can have impact on others through the smallest of gestures. This, alongside his passion for art and helping others influenced his card initiative.
Nicholas prints hundreds of his own art pieces onto postcards which he physically hands out to the public to advocate for kindness and equality.
Nicholas considers Princess Diana his role model and lives by her quote “do what your heart tells you.” His heart has encouraged him to spread the message, “even if you look different you should be proud of who you are.”
At the award ceremony, the youngster shared the stage with Prince William and Prince Harry, who he said were “kind” when chatting with him backstage.
“They were very neutral, and they were very kind. Behind the stage they said I was a kind person and that I do it for what I like and I like carrying on Diana’s legacy on and on.”
The royal brothers established the Diana Award to promote their mother’s belief in the positive power of young people. It is committed to fostering, inspiring and developing positive change in the lives of young people through practical social action.
Tessy Ojo, Chief Executive, The Diana Award says: “This landmark event is about two things; celebrating young people for their selfless contribution to society, their courage and bravery, sometimes in the face of adversity and demonstrating to young people that we, as a collective, value them. At The Diana Award we understand that valuing young people also means investing in them so we are delighted that these Legacy Award recipients will have access to our unique development programme that ensures they continue to be positive trailblazers for their generation.”
Legacy Award winners were selected from a poll of nominations by an independent judging panel chaired by Dame Julia Cleverdon, Founder of Step Up To Serve. The panel included; Julia Samuel, Patron of Child Bereavement UK and friend of Princess Diana and campaigner Baroness Lawrence OBE.
The winners’ work is currently being showcased at a special exhibition at Althorp House. Honouring his sister’s legacy, Lord Spencer is hosting ‘Walking in her Shoes’ for The Diana Award throughout the summer.