Plumpton College student dresses up as Spiderman to put smile on people’s faces during lockdown

Kieran Thompson, a student at Plumpton College, is doing his daily walks dressed as Spiderman – spreading cheer to local children and giving them something fun to look out for.

The 18-year-old has a number of disabilities including cerebral palsy – but this has not stopped him from getting out each day and he has already raised over £600 for healthcare workers.

“I think it is amazing. He is an inspiration. I have never known anyone like him. He is just so wonderful and so kindhearted,” said Sharyn Spence-Brisley, a family friend, who fought back tears.

“His mum, Lisa, is so proud of him. He struggles to walk, but he is still doing it.”

Kieran, who lives in Burgess Hill, wanted to give back to the community who rallied to raise funds for a trike for him when he was ten years old. And when the coronavirus hit, he also wanted to give back to the amazing NHS workers who have looked after him when he has been in hospital.

He said: “I wanted to cheer up local children because it’s really hard for them being in lockdown and not fully understanding what’s going on.

“I wanted to help in a way that I could, and raising money for the NHS is an added bonus. I care a lot about helping kids because I have struggled a lot with my own situation so it means a lot to me.

“I feel happy when I’m doing the walk and it makes me feel good about myself and not anxious.”

His mum, Lisa said: “I’m extremely proud of what he’s doing. He’s had a tough time in the past not only living with his disability but also coping with bullying.

“But he has never given up...he’s always had a passion to put others before himself and hopes to work in the sport industry helping disabled children access sport.

“He has amazed his doctors with his determination, whatever they have advised him not to do he has done and then pushed it further.”

Kieran’s efforts have gone viral and what just started as a walk has turned into a Facebook group, where people can upload photos of Kieran on his travels and put in requests for him to walk down their roads.

A JustGiving page has also been set up where people can make a donation that will go to the NHS.

Sharyn added: “Kieran is an inspiration to many people and has a heart of gold.

“He came up with this idea, even though his conditions make him high risk to Covid-19, to help cheer people up and put smiles on children’s faces.”

Follow Kieran’s Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/1322188871308837 and to make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/burgesshillspiderman.