A LEADING children's charity last night welcomed the decision by the late John Peel to talk about his rape by an older boy at boarding school.
In an excerpt from his autobiography revealed yesterday the DJ claimed to have suffered "systematic sexual abuse" at Shrewsbury School in Shropshire, which he attended from 13.
The NSPCC said celebrities could play a vital role in encouraging children to speak out about abuse.
Peel, who died a year ago at the age of 65 from a heart attack while holidaying in Peru, wrote of the sexual demands made on new boys from study monitors.
He also detailed how he was raped in a public toilet by an older pupil.
In his book Margrave of the Marshes, serialised from yesterday, Peel wrote about his experiences with one study monitor.
"This man was, I think, the only genuinely amoral person I've ever met."
Peel, whose real name was John Ravenscroft, had time to write only half his memoirs, which are published on October 17, but the work was completed by his wife and their four children within months of his death.
THIS Thursday is National John Peel Day, when musicians around the country will perform gigs in remembrance of the DJ.
In Liverpool Half Man, Half Biscuit will be playing at the Carling Academy, while the Cavern is holding Liverpeel Night to celebrate his life.
