Swindon motorbike convoy escort bullied teen to prom
A student who was bullied at school was given a night to remember when about 1,000 people on motorbikes showed up in solidarity to escort him to his prom.Craig posted an appeal online seeking support from the biking community in Swindon, Wiltshire, to help his son Josh end secondary school "on a high note". The 16-year-old arrived to prom in style on Friday after years of being "relentlessly bullied" by his peers for "being different".His father said: "We wanted him to have an end to the school chapter in his life with a bang, and not be overshadowed by all the negative".
The gesture caught the attention of motorists from across the globe, with messages of support flooding in from Australia, South Africa, USA and China."The response has been absolutely immense," Craig told BBC Radio Wiltshire. "We've had messages from all around the UK, even people internationally contacting us saying they're following the story."The family said the incredible turnout had "restored our faith in humanity", and proved that "bikers really are a family".
Having just completed his GCSE exams, Josh plans to attend college with the goal of becoming a paediatric therapist to support children with physical, developmental, or psychological challenges.The teenager, who celebrated his 16th birthday on Saturday, said he felt "over the moon" to experience what he described as a "once in a lifetime opportunity"."I never thought it would blow up this much," he said."Initially when this post went out, I wanted only two dozen bikers at the limit. I never thought it would reach internationally."My heart is full for these bikers and all the people sending their love."
His mother Frances said she was determined to show Josh love will always triumph over hate."It shows Josh there is support from so many people," she said. "Even if he feels alone some days, he doesn't realise how many people have his back."
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