Yahoo Lifestyle Sophie Delezio: 'The bullies won't win!'
Sophie shares her inspiring story exclusively with New Idea, on sale now! Photo: New Idea
The whispers, nudges, sniggers and cruel remarks follow Sophie Delezio wherever she goes – out on the street, sometimes even in the corridors at school.
But the brave burns survivor, who just celebrated her 14th birthday, can honestly say she doesn't notice bullies anymore.
'I'm used to it by now,' smiles Sophie, rolling her enormous almond eyes behind a pair of stylish Chanel glasses. 'People can be bitchy – sometimes it's totally Gossip Girl – but I don’t really care about it. That's more their problem than mine.'
Sophie (C) with her mum Carolyn, brother Mitchell and dad Ron. Photo: New Idea
The courage and indomitable spirit that helped her survive two catastrophic accidents are still inspiring.
Today, Sophie hopes to become an actor – she's taking classes at the National Institute of Dramatic Art – and dreams of rowing for Australia at the Paralympics.
'The sky’s the limit,' laughs her doting father Ron, 61. 'Sophie lives life to the fullest, more than most able-bodied people, and that’s one of the things I find amazing.
'Sophie is finding her niche in life, which is fantastic. She's gone from being one able-bodied person among billions to being a person with disability – a much smaller number – and reaching for the stars in anything she chooses. So it’s not all bad news.'
Subscribe to New Idea and keep up-to-date with all your favourite celebrities, touching real-life stories, delicious recipes and more each week!
LATEST FROM NEW IDEA:
Sarah Ferguson pens letter forgiving late mother
