Celtic fan ditched drinking after Magaluf hangover changed his life

Kieran Burns, from Bishopbriggs, says he was suicidal after being badly bullied for having cerebral palsy until a trip abroad changed his mindset.

The 27-year-old’s condition affects his mobility meaning he relies on a wheelchair which sadly made him the “brunt” of cruel jokes.

He then started to depend on alcohol as a youngster to cope while feeling “isolated” from sports like football which was devastating for the Celtic fan.

Kieran told the Glasgow Times how it was on his school leavers trip to Spain that he realised he didn’t want his beloved grandmother's last memory of him to be “someone who had given up on life".

Kieran took charge of his life and was determined to help himself (Image: Gordon Terris)

Kieran said: “I felt isolated at school and was bullied badly as kids often made me the brunt of their jokes.

“At 16 I started drinking because I was in a pretty bleak place and had such a bad opinion of myself.

“My school leavers holiday to Magaluf changed everything for me. I was massively struggling to get my wheelchair on the beach while being unbelievably hungover.

“I looked at my pals who were all in good shape and going to university - then looked at myself and realised I had no plans or ambition.

“My gran also inspired me because she always called me Superman. I couldn’t allow the last thing she saw of me to be a guy who just gave up on life.

“When I came back I gave up drinking, joined the gym, and was determined to be more positive. I haven’t stopped since.”

Now Kieran is determined to be the role model he never had by making the world more accessible for disabled people.

The inspiring athlete has since won awards for his talents in coaching wheelchair football with his team FC United Against Suicide.

Kieran wants to be a role model for others (Image: Gordon Terris)

He has been leading the team for a year and a half, and hopes to keep providing more visibility of disabled people in sports.

His efforts helped him scoop the ‘Champion for Change Award’ at the inaugural Variety Club Disability Sports Awards in October.

Kieran feels his unique experience can help him inspire players as he understands their personal struggles.

He explained: “When it comes to the football team, a lot of the players have been put down and let down like I had been.

“FC United Against Suicide gives them a community and strong bond to help them through hard times and focus their positivity.

“When I missed out because of my disability I felt like it was my fault but now I realise it’s problems with accessibility, not me.

“I just kept giving things a try like playing football and wrestling, all things people told me would be impossible.

“When I push myself to try something new I hope it shows another disabled person they can do something for themselves too.

“When I was a wee guy I really wanted someone to look up to, now I want to be that person and show just how much you can still do in a wheelchair.”

In 2020 Kieran launched his own podcast called All About Ability raising awareness about mental health and changing perceptions about disabilities.

Since then, the podcast has gained popularity featuring numerous guests including former Celtic player John Hartson and world champion boxer Jessica McCaskill.