He's still only 15, but music prodigy Freddie is starting his own school

HE WANTS TO HELP OTHERS AFTER OVERCOMING HIS OWN STRUGGLES

- By LOUIS CORBETT

FREDDIE Vokes has risen to stardom in the musical theatre scene after winning various awards, starting his own music and drama school and performing with celebrities - all after he was told he would never be able to achieve in music due to his learning difficulties.

The 15-year-old, from Burton Joyce, first started making music when he was just 10 years old after he was bullied at his local school, and in one instance beaten with a bat. His music, which focuses on mental health and struggles with neurodiversity, has led him to win competitions, perform at national award ceremonies, all while using the proceeds to fundraise for good causes, such as the Teenage Cancer Trust and youth mental health charities.

While Freddie has had a lot of success since starting his musical career, it has also come with challenges. While he started learning the piano at the age of six, showing his musical prowess, he was told he would never be able to learn the harp due to his ADHD, ASD, hearing difficulties, and dyspraxia. He went on to achieve grade 8 in both instruments.