An inspirational teenager who battled bullies, faced family deaths and supported her dad through his fight against alcoholism has not held her back. Chloe Veitch has endured one blow after another. The youngster was bullied at Clacton Coastal Academy, while outside school she was helping her dad overcome drink and drug problems. Chloe, 16, of Stanley Road, Clacton, also had to deal with her relatives dying within six months of each other last year. But she has come through the tough time and is now up for an Essex Young People of the Year award.
The teen has excelled at school since moving into the academy’s Inner College, being taught separately from the main school to escape bullying. But she also had a lot to deal with outside school, including supporting dad Darren as he struggled with a long-term drink and drugs problem. Chloe encouraged him to finally get clean.
In April 2014, Darren’s son David, from a previous relationship, died after struggling with a drinking problem. Six months later his sister—Chloe’s auntie Debbie—died after a long battle with cancer. Chloe and Debbie were close and the death hit her hard, but she still supported the rest of the family and made sure her dad did not break down.
Macheala says the experiences have been hard on Chloe—but she has used them to help and inspire others at home and at school. Mum Machaela said: “Last year was very, very tough for all of us, but Chloe supported us. She has been through so much and has had to grow up quicker than she needed to all, went to school and worked hard. She is a kind person and would help anyone.”
Chloe was nominated for a prestigious prize at the Essex Young People of the Year Awards by her teacher Steve Clark after refusing to let the dark experiences damage her life. She now uses her experience to talk to other year groups and troublemakers at school to help them concentrate on their work. She will start sixth form later this year and wants to become a lawyer. Chloe said: “With everything my dad has been through and as a family, I have always tried to think about the upside. I have tried to learn from his mistakes and know I don’t have to make them too. I am now focused on my future and am trying to have a good career.”
The Essex awards, which reward the selfless, were founded by Tony Gearing. He said: “Chloe has experienced more sadness and challenges than most of us would know in a lifetime. But she seems to have overcome them with her positive view of life to inspire others, including her family and fellow students.”
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